Remembered: Simon Polley

We are sad to report that one of our original members, Simon Polley, passed away at the end of last year. His funeral was on 18th December, should any Members wish to made a donation it should go to www.pilgrimshospices.org who looked after him so well.

Friend of the family and CSCC Treasurer/Adams & Page Swinging 60s Drivers Representative, Malcolm Johnson has kindly put together these words, remembering Simon.

Simon was one of the very early members of CSCC, joining in 2003 (Member no. 38) His British Racing Green MG Midget fitting perfectly into the fledgling Swinging Sixties Series. Simon had owned his Midget since 1984. His car was always perfectly presented and Simon’s focus was always to finish his races and have as much fun as possible. During his 22 years with the Club Simon made many friends, always taking time for a chat about anything with four wheels, and exchanging racing experiences with his mates.

Simon started out in motorsport in the early 1970’s with his 1098cc Mini which was prepared for road rallies and fast road use and he eventually progressed to his treasured Viva GT, complete with Blydenstein mods, which he successfully sprinted regularly at Goodwood throughout the late 1970’s/early 1980’s, before switching to circuits in his MG.

Simon in 2012, heading the field round to qualify.

When Simon discovered a rotting Mini Marcos he knew the time was right to build his dream race car. He spent three years building the best racing Mini Marcos possible with the ultimate aim of providing his son Sam with a winning car for the CSCC Swinging Sixties Series. It was immediately on the pace and in Sam’s skilful hands, the Marcos went on to achieve many outright wins and best in Series.

Simon was so immensely proud to see Sam leading in the dream car he had built, he could not have been more thrilled. In recent years Simon also rebuilt his faithful MG Midget to its original best, never quite sure if he would race it again, but he was able to drive it one more time on a track day at his local circuit at Brands Hatch.

Sam, in the family Mini Marcos, up at the sharp end of the field, Snetterton 2025.

Sadly Simon became ill last summer, but still managed to see his boy race at Snetterton one last time. With his health failing very quickly, Sam managed to encourage him to visit the CSCC meeting at Brands Hatch in August. There was the same old Simon, despite his severe illness, he watched from a chair at Paddock Hill bend, still smiling as he enjoyed the sound and sight of the sport he loved so much. Simon passed away peacefully on 30th November, no doubt dreaming of his motorsport adventures.

Simon was my lifelong friend of over 60 years and on behalf of all Club members, I would like to pass on love and kindness to Sam, Bex and all the Polley family.