It is with much sadness that we announce the passing at the weekend of long-time competitor Ian Beningfield after a short illness.
Many of you will know Ian well. Both as a competitor, and an administrator – a passionate racer involved in motorsport at many levels.
Ian made his motorsport debut competing in the MG Car Club Speed Championship (sprints and hillclimbs) with a MG Midget in 2010. In August 2020, Ian gave an interview to Motorsport UK for their “Revolution” magazine on the subject of pathways into motorsport.
I quote from that interview – “I chose this series because of MG’s history, but also because my father raced MGs in the 70s. I enjoy the nature of sprinting and hillclimbing – every braking point, every apex and every line counts. The series is run on a target time system, which is based on the level of vehicle modification. It means any car can win the overall championship.”
Away from the track, Ian was a Committee member of the MG Car Club – South West Centre – and had been Club Chairman in 2024.
When long time stalwart of the MG CC, Bruce Weston, sadly passed away in April 2025, Ian inherited the role of Clerk of the Course for the September MG Car Club event at Wiscombe, a role fulfilled by Bruce for many years.
It was not just the MG Car Club that Ian was involved with. He was also the Treasurer and Charity Champion for the Classic Marques Sports Car Club having become a member in 2013. He was also an inaugural member of The National Historic Speed Club and held the role of Treaurer from its formation in October 2023.
Ian’s MG Midget was a familiar site at many venue’s and particularly his “home” course here at Wiscombe Park.
When not involved in motorsport activities, either on or off the track, Ian was Head of Partnerships and Funding at the Meningitis Research Foundation.
As I write this announcement, I am reflecting back on my last, very enjoyable (as always) conversation with Ian only a fortnight ago in the Wiscombe Park paddock at the Woolbridge Spring event. We discussed plans for the rebuild of his MG Midget, and looked forward to the MG Car Club event here in September. So much to look forward to.
Ian will be missed greatly – to his father Keith, family and many friends, everyone at Wiscombe Park offer their sincere condolences. RIP Ian.
Nigel Cole, Wiscombe Park, Publicity Director (taken from the Wiscombe Park Hillclimb, Facebook Page).
