Sadly long time Fairthorpe owner and F.S.C.C club member Mark Kemp has passed away following a long illness. Mark first Joined the Fairthorpe Sports Car Club in 1976 and used a succession of Fairthorpes in Auto tests, Production Car trials and Autocross events with many class wins and a number of FTD`s (Fastest time of the day) to his credit. His first Fairthorpe became know as Noddy after someone said it looked like a Noddy car, this was followed by Mr Plod (spot the theme here) and finally during that period Super Nod which sported a tuned 1600 Ford engine. During a conversation with him last year he talked fondly about a number of the events he had done in the cars, he even rolled Super Nod into a ditch during one Autocross event but went out on his next run and set FTD with the battered Fairthorpe! Following a house move the Fairthorpes were gradually sold off in the 80`s but these cars get under your skin and Mark was not yet finished with Fairthorpes, in 2010 he bought another EM, SOO 121 from long term owner Tom Fraser. This was re fettled, re sprayed and modified to compete in a few Production car Trials with his long time friend Club Chairman Derek Bentley, the result being a class win despite Mark`s failing health. Those who knew him will remember his infectious sense of humour and he will be sadly missed.
Marks funeral will take place at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium, Crawley at 1.00 pm on Thursday 11th June. Any Club members who want to attend would be more than welcome.
Derek Bentley (driving) and Mark leaving the 2010 Fairthorpe Gathering in SOO 121
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