At speed at Cadwell
On camera ( with Julian )
costs down and the club would prosper .
“ Charles was proven right . For many seasons we had lower entry fees than nearly any other club . Membership grew to a record level , grids were big ... and grew . They were very good years . We all owe him a lot . Charles I won ’ t forget you .”
Kevin Kivlochan “ I have raced against and with Charles for many years . He was an amazing ambassador for both the HSCC and 70s Road Sports and the effort and passion that he showed towards our Club is unsurpassed . His dedication to the 70s Championship and the spirit and camaraderie that he built up over many years was something that I admired greatly .
“ We had some great races together and also some fine times at the BBQs and events that he offered us all , particularly the Oulton Park Gold Cup , when we had some fantastic team entertainment ! Added to that he was a pretty good peddler too : his natural ability shone though and his mastery of the 240Z was to be admired . I remember one time at Croft and his bravery in an out-braking manoeuvre into Tower Bend was truly something to see and respect . I will greatly miss him in and around the paddock , as I am sure many others will do . Thank you Charles , for all that you did for us .”
Marcus Pye “ I was privileged to know Charles for
more than 40 years , since his imperious speed hillclimb career and my Autosport cub reporting from 1977 coincided . He was immensely focused on his sport , a release from the demands of the family Golden Springs Watercress enterprise in Dorset which he nurtured into an international empire .
“ Seven-time hillclimb champion Charles ’ starts - in Hillman Imp , Davrian , Solo Stiletto and Delta - were exemplary , their advantages exacerbated by immaculate lines and corner speeds which flabbergasted his most determined rivals . Having learned the art of building and maintaining Imp engines from maestro Ray Payne at Team Hartwell didn ’ t hinder .
“ Yet , for all Charles ’ success , competing was never about him . He organised grass roots trials for fellow enthusiasts and his business acumen benefited Woolbridge MC and the Hillclimb & Sprint Association before he turned to racing . His omnipresence in HSCC ’ 70s Road Sports - with the Datsun 240Z , his lifelong pal Win Percy ’ s road car - glued the championship together , socially and on-track .
“ For several years I enjoyed lifts to board meetings at Silverstone . Always delightful company , our conversations about any topic shrank high-speed journeys further . I miss Charles ’ wicked wit and wisdom but am so glad to have called him a friend .”
Paul Lawrence “ Although I can remember seeing Charles at the peak of his hillclimbing prowess , my enduring Charles Barter memory will be of the blue Datsun 240Z being driven right on the limit in countless Road Sports races .
“ Charles was a tremendous force , both in and out of the car , and his commitment and contribution to the HSCC cannot be understated . He cared a great deal , even for the smaller detail , and was a great champion of the Club and its racing members .
“ He was an incredibly quick and competitive racer , right up to the final months of his life and by now in his late 70s . The Covid year cost him some racing time and persistent engine and overheating problems dogged several recent seasons . But with the 240Z properly back on song , he was as quick as ever in 2022 .
“ We will all miss him for a whole variety of reasons . His passion for the sport in general and the HSCC in particular was remarkable .”
Ahead of the pack at Donington Park
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