Words by Allan Durham
Hearing of Allan’s passing was indeed a shock and filled all of us who knew him with sorrow.
I first met Allan ( affectionally known as Whitt) back in the early 70’s when we both joined Bolton Le Moors Car Club as young rally enthusiasts keen to compete on road rallies in Lancashire and surrounding counties.
Most people associate Allan with co-driving, but back in those early days he fancied a go at driving in his Mini Cooper S…unfortunately after a few off road excursions he decided he was probably better suited at navigating ! And that was the beginning of a long and successful part of his life co-driving for many different drivers both in the UK and over in Europe.
In between competing he recognised the need for a good value for money competition seat so he founded Motordrive Seats a company that quickly grew to be a leading supplier of competition seats across the world with many leading teams and drivers using Allan’s seats.
During his co-driving days like many other competitors he found his way to the Isle Of Mull to compete on the 2300 Club Tour Of Mull Rally. It was the beginning of a long association with the Island and it’s enthusiastic rally residents, many who became life long friends, he was always there to encourage and offer his vast experience and often financial help to assist Mull’s young rally crews.
Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” In one word, Allan was a man who gave.
After Allan retired from co-driving he still had an itch to scratch within the sport so joined 2300 Club to assist the team in organising the Tour of Mull Rally, somewhere along the way Allan introduced me to the 2300 Club and so began my association with the club and we enjoyed many years of our weeks together on Mull each October. Sadly those days are now just memories but never forgotten and Allan was always happy to spend time talking to anyone who was interested in the “Best Rally In The World”
We his friends and anyone who knew Allan will miss his infectious sense of humour.
To Allan’s wife Caron and his family we offer our deepest condolences. Allan has silently closed the door of life and departed from us. Our lives will be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us.
Rest In Peace Whitt.
Allan proudly being presented with the very first Simon Bibby Marshals Award in 2024
