IN MEMORIAM : STAN HIBBERD
The Hibberd family goes racing in 1969 with a Ford Anglia towing the Buckler
Stan with his new lorry when driving for Rugby Cement and delivering to the M1 construction sites
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Remembering an enthusiast
Last October , Formula Junior lost a very popular figure when Stan Hibberd passed away . With the help of his grandson Andrew , we remember a true enthusiast .
Stan Hibberd on the pit wall at Donington Park
Born in 1932 , Stan was 88 when he died after a period of ill health . However , his legacy lives on in his son Michael and grandson Andrew who race extensively , notably in Formula Junior , and are now custodians of Stan ’ s Bucklers . Andrew takes up the story : “ On a Saturday last November , we spent the day playing with Grandad ’ s Bucklers : it was the most fitting way to remember him . First , a Mk6 he brought in 1964 and raced through to the early 1970s , even once winning a five-lap handicap race at Silverstone , helped by his pit helper son Michael . Then he used it in many MCC trials in the years afterwards . We
call this NAC as it ’ s on the registration . “ The other Buckler is a 1953 Type 53 he brought in the 1970s as a pile of bits and restored to use in other trials . Over the years he saved many Bucklers and was a founding member of their register . This is why we Hibberds are now involved in our motoring exploits . Grandad was a huge supporter and went to every one of dad ’ s races and was often found on the pit wall with my pit board until 2008 when poor health kept him at home .
“ However , most races were barely over before a phone call came asking for a debrief after he ’ d watched the timing on-line . In 1999 I took my first ride around the Silverstone National
“ Stan was the epitome of Bucklers for all 50 years ” circuit as a passenger in NAC alongside Grandad in a parade : it must have been the Buckler 50th anniversary . Later that day he won an award for the most original car and driver combination and the trophy still sits in pride of place on his mantlepiece .
“ Away from motor racing he was an avid boater and kept his narrow boat on the Warwickshire canals but often travelled the length of the country , so many days were spent playing cards and board games . He will be sorely missed by wife Betty , his family and friends .”
Memories of Stan by Duncan Rabagliati
“ Of course it all goes back a long way , and I have my Buckler Register newsletters to remind me of some of it .
“ Stan wrote in issue number 10 , June 1982 : ‘ Duncan Rabagliati was able to put me in touch with Mike Bendall . I tried in about 1965 to contact him as the original owner and successful race driver of NAC and now ,
thanks to Duncan , I have located and had a long chat with him .”
“ Stan was the epitome of Bucklers for all 50 years and more , after driving through a violent hail storm near Ludlow ( no doubt with the roof down !) to meet up with Mike on the seafront at Aberdovey . “ And then 10 years or so onwards , Michael buys a Lotus Formula Junior and Stan comes with him to write his great race report . And then Andrew joins too , and all this time , Hazel is there looking after us all .
“ The rest is history . Stan was terrific fun to know , and a fount of knowledge and SUCH an enthusiast and , of course , race driver as well in the Buckler back then at Silverstone and elsewhere . Glory Days ! Thank you Stan , for being a big part of it .”