He wasn't a well known
rally driver or instantly recognisable event organiser, nor was he a widely
recognisable face in motor sports marshalling or officialdom, but Richard
Hyslop was a vital part of Scottish and British motor sport. He was one of the
unsung background heroes on which our sport depends. Many of you will know him
better as Piper 5 Recovery and quite a few of you will have rather special cause
to remember his variety of Land Rovers over the past 20 years which have
dragged rally cars out of ditches and race cars out of tyrewalls.
Richard was one of those countless numbers of volunteers
who turn out to motor sporting events around the country, every weekend of the
year to offer their time and support to others, especially when things go
wrong.
In March this year he underwent a major transplant
operation, and yet knowing this was about to happen had already purchased a 'newer'
Land Rover Defender pick-up to replace his ageing Defender which had previously
done much sterling service. He intended to spend his 'recuperation' fitting-out
the new vehicle in anticipation of more recovery work to be done. Indeed his
most recent 'call of duty' was at the BTCC race meeting at Knockhill a couple
of weeks ago after having to choose between attending the Grampian Stages or the
race meeting.
Sadly, he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly shortly
afterwards, due to causes entirely un-related to his kidney transplant. He was
only 42.
I didn't know him well, but we always exchanged
greetings, the last time on the Mull Ferry. It's funny how those who might
otherwise have much to complain about in life, always have the biggest smiles.
He was even known to work at events south of the
border. For over 20 years he was deeply involved in all forms of the sport, initially servicing
for his pals in rallying before moving on to the volunteer side of the sport.
More recently he was involved in the ongoing training process for new safety
and recovery crews to ensure that more volunteers were introduced to the sport
and brought up to standard.
For sure, there will be silent gaps in the forest and
deserted parking bays at race circuits where Piper 5 was once stationed and which
will now be taken over by new vehicles and call signs. But the sport will still
miss him, although none more so than his wife Hazel, daughter Natalie and son Jake,
their wider family and huge circle of friends. Our thoughts and good wishes
must be with them now.
The funeral will take place at 11.30am on Friday 26th August 2016, at
Dunfermline Crematorium, Masterton Road,
Dunfermline, KY11 8QR. Just one wee note if your planning to attend - it would
appear that some of the other rescue crews are planning a convoy to the
Crematorium, so just take care on the approach!
**
