TRIBUTES have been flooding in from motorcycle sport fans all over the world following the death of a Rugby man who created a phenomenally successful 1,000cc Sidecar Grasstrack and Speedway Racing team.
Andy Cossar, 62, the founder and inspiration of the much-revered Cossar Motorsport, recently passed away at Myton Hospice after battling cancer.
His sons Mark and Tom are multi-British Masters Champions, and their sister Jeni competed as a sidecar passenger.
Andy’s wife Tracey is also a self-confessed motorbike fanatic, working for the Rugby-based Auto Cycle Union (ACU).
Still competing in the daredevil no-brakes sport last year, Andy was the guiding light for his racing family – always there in the pits with his expert mechanical knowledge, travelling all over the UK, Europe and Australia, where sidecar speedway attracts huge crowds.
A statement released by Andy’s family and friends said: “Always positive, friendly and generous with his time, Andy was a familiar and enthusiastic face at Rugby Bikefest. He will be sorely missed.”
Speaking from Adelaide, Mick Headland, who won the World Sidecar Speedway Championship at Brandon, said: “Here, we are all so very sorry to hear this sad news. Andy was such a nice man.”
Former British Masters Champion Paul Whitelam added: “Andy’s presence will be missed by so many of us at grasstrack and speedway. He was a complete gentleman; a pleasure to know.”
Tracey Cossar passed on her sincere thanks to Myton Hospice for all their hard work, support and care.
Andy’s funeral takes place on Thursday (September 24).
