Dave Holden, well known local sidecar racer and multiple champion, has recently passed away. He additionally was the former owner of Blackburn Go Karts, opened by his friend and fellow race star Carl Fogarty.
Dave started racing in 1978, and won his first award at Silloth, Cumbria, in 1981. He won hundreds of trophies over the years, and famously kept over 700 in his attic. Dave stated that it was his British Championship and Isle of Man TT trophies that were his favourites.
With achievements too many to list, Dave was a multiple sidecar champion, winning the Ace of Aintree championship 10 times, and the Formula 5 Championship twice. He had nine passengers over the years, forming loyal teams with a winning formula.
Self-employed plumber Dave, of Great Harwood, also had a few mishaps along the way, with perhaps his most spectacular crash being a horror 100mph crash in 2009, at Beeches Bend at the Aintree racing circuit. Despite serious injuries, he went on to make a full recovery and race again, in fact winning his comeback race at Aintree with partner Rob Coward, of Blackburn, who was also involved in the original crash.
As a final ride, Dave’s family requested a final accompanied ride for the funeral cortege, as a mark of respect for his long career. Carl Fogarty led the procession. Dave leaves behind a large family with ten grandchildren, including Lewis Blackstock of Blackburn, who has carried on in his footsteps, competing in the British Formula 2 Sidecar Championship.
