Richard’s story
Richard was a car fanatic, carried to his first race in 1982 when his father was racing the first Carr Racing MG Midget.
He grew up with racing and was often to be seen in his diminutive racing overalls leaning over the cars of his heroes, asking pertinent questions of the drivers and mechanics. His knowledge of the sport flourished as he devoured Autosport and he was a constant companion and severe critic of his father’s racing efforts.
At 15, Richard attended his first Scottish Motor Racing Club dinner and was introduced to David Coulthard and Dario Franchitti, amongst others and, on telling them that he wanted to design for Mercedes, their advice was to “stick in!” which he did.
Richard George Raymond Duncan Carr MA
23 March 1982 – 14 September 2010
Pupil at Dollar Academy 1989-2000
Younger brother of Bronwen and Thomas
Richard gained an Upper Second Degree in Vehicle Design at Coventry University and, during his time there, he played for Coventry City Rugby Club, alongside several international exponents of the game.
A Motor Racing Engineering course at Cranfield University followed but Richard moved to Loughborough University to return to his first love, design, when he discovered that engineering was not to his taste. He continued his rugby career in Milton Keynes RC and even had a foray into rugby league!
While studying for his Masters in Industrial Design, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and extensive surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed. He rallied in late 2009 and graduated on 15th December 2009.
His race driving career, while spanning only a few years, encompassed many cars, starting with a sports/GT Fiesta. He was ever willing to try any vehicle and raced a Daimler, a V8 Sierra, a Fiesta Challenge car and even tried a Mallock when he worked in a placement with that manufacturer, although he had to sit sideways in it due to his size! His final racing car was his beloved space frame Sunbeam Imp and during work on this car, he was making employment overtures to Team Lotus Grand Prix. His television debut on Top Gear came when an outspoken Richard was pulled from the audience by Jeremy Clarkson and asked to explain his comment that the Lamborghini was “uncool”!
Richard’s enthusiasm for the sport never diminished and, although unable to drive or indeed walk, he kept up with the sports car and Formula 1 scene. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport was unsurpassed and dogmatic, producing what were labelled “Richard’s Rants” on the car websites. His final outing was at the wheel of a classic E Type Jaguar at Knockhill on his 28th birthday, the 23rd March 2010. He deteriorated thereafter and died in West Park Care Home in Leslie but managed to witness the Italian Grand Prix on television.
Richard’s life was one of enthusiasm and driving ambition, and his love for and pride in Dollar Academy never faltered.
You can donate online to The Richard Carr Fund or via the button above in Richard’s memory.