We recently received sad news, about the passing of long-standing CSCC driver, Doug Simmen.
Doug, together with co-driver and cousin, Roland Jones, has campaigned their E36 BMW M3 at most CSCC race meetings (more than 50 races), from 2017 to 2022, both in the UK and at our European rounds. Doug was well-liked and respected in the Modern Classic and Open Series paddocks and he was competitive but always fair. In the years he raced with us he earned many trophies, but it was clear to us this was not his primary aim, instead he was there to have fun.
Doug understood the club's aims and from time to time would pick up the phone to the CSCC office for a friendly chat and pass on his thoughts after an enjoyable race meeting, or to give us constructive feedback from his point of view as a racer.
Earlier this year we were helping him with advice on regulations, as he planned to purchase an E46 M3 to race with us.
In the words of Roland Jones:
Despite racing with him for five years, sharing both his racing car and doing long road trips together, I had no idea how desperately ill he was and how he was struggling with life. You would’ve never known it, given the pleasure he’d derive from racing his cars and I know for a fact he greatly look forward to the events organised by the CSCC.
We’ve been mucking about on bicycles, motorbikes and cars for most of our lives together, 50 years! It is quite a shock.
Please feel free to make the club members aware, I know he had lots of friends in the paddock who will be saddened by this news. The funeral is at Reading crematorium, Monday 17th October, 1130, thereafter at the Bull on Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames. All are welcome, black attire not necessary. I can be contacted on 07785 701882.
We were both looking forward to racing at Daytona next year and I hope to be able to race there in Doug’s white M3 BMW in his honour.
Roland Jones
Doug (centre), happy to collect a well-earned award at Spa in 2019.
On behalf of the CSCC team and paddock, we would like to pass on our condolences to Doug's family and friends, he will be missed.