We were saddened to hear that Brian Cox had passed away on 5th September. Many will recall that Brian had a long and close affiliation with Castle Combe circuit, first as a winning driver and then supporting wife Ilsa’s racing at a track where the Cox surname became synonymous with success and the scene of Brian and Ilsa’s many race victories. Ilsa having first been introduced into motorsport by Brian in 1987.

Brian started racing a Mini Cooper S and has trophies dating back to 1963. Mainly, he raced production based and modified saloon cars including a Peugeot 205 GTi and Mitsubishi EVO5. The record shows eleven outright race wins at Combe, all in the Saloon Car championship. Five in 1998-99 with the Peugeot 205GTi, then, with a Mitsubishi EVO5, one in 2008, and five in 2010. Brian was 1999 Class A champion in the Peugeot, and again in 2010, in the EVO5.

Brian even won a race in 2007, at the tender age of 71, so must qualify as one of Castle Combe’s oldest race winners! After competing in one of two matching smart red and white SEAT Cupra’s with Ilsa, he retired from racing in 2012. One particular track incident Ilsa recalls while competing against her husband: “We went off together at Quarry in 2006 when David Urquhart dropped a load of oil. Brian was following me in qualifying in a pair of Peugeot 206s and he went off alongside me and I just kissed his car and carried on!”

Following retirement from the driving seat, Brian became omnipresent as Ilsa’s mentor, team manager and biggest supporter, helping mastermind her multi race wins and championships; three at Castle Combe. The couple raced successfully at circuits throughout the UK but became popular Castle Combe regulars despite living 150 miles away in Brighton and they affectionately considered coming to the Wiltshire venue as being ‘like coming home’. Castle Combe Racing Club extends condolences to Brian’s wife Ilsa, their family and many friends for their sad loss.

 

 With thanks to Castle Combe Archivist Pete Stowe for additional information & images

Image Captions:

  • Brian & Ilsa Cox receive the 2019 Strawford Award from Graham Marshallsay
  • Brian racing Peugeot 205 GTI
  • Brian & Ilsa with matching pair of SEAT Cupra saloons