I am saddened to hear about the passing of Autospeed commentary legend, Bill Dalley.
Imagine a 5 year old Jonny, stood on the terraces at the Cornish Stadium, with Grandad and Uncles Neil and Mike. This bloke tells me who the drivers are, and the results. I listen to his style
For the next 25 years, this man would be the voice of my Sundays, Bank Holidays and holiday midweek meetings, and well, be the standard for other commentators I would hear up to now.
With a broad Westcountry accent, he approached Trevor Redmond and is famed to have said "that he could do a bit of commentary", and lo, a partnership was born. Many a final would end with "It's over to Mr Autospeed, our promoter, it's over to Treeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevor Redmond", to which TR in his Kiwi tones "Thank you, Bill".
Ever the shy and retiring type, he didn't like to get out and interview drivers, preferring to give that duty to his promoter colleague Trevor Redmond. He commentated on numerous World Finals, including the infamous trip to Wembley in 1974, and numerous tracks under the purple Autospeed banner.
Whether it was a Sunny St Austell, a night-time Newton or a torrential Taunton, his voice meant stock car to me.
The next generation of Goddard, Linfield et al have learnt a lot from his style. In fact in Steve Linfield, we have a near carbon copy in delivery.
Although he officially retired at the end of season 2009, for me, every meeting starts in my mind with his dulcet tones
"Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight then....."
Rest in peace, Bill.
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