Mike Spence memorial in Slough crematorium

[Jack Stone]

Team Lotus (and BRM) F1 driver Mike Spence died at the wheel of a Lotus Type 56 turbine 4WD on 7 May 1968 during practice for the Indianapolis 500. He had replaced Jimmy in the STP TL Indy team, racing alongside Graham Hill. Mike had been extremely quick up until his accident, posting the fastest lap despite being an Indy rookie. He may well have gone on to take pole.

At the time of his death, Mike had a Lotus dealership in Maidenhead town centre, and resided nearby with his new wife Lynn. His funeral was held in Bray church (my childhood village - and not far from where @Bazza 907 grew up) and he was subsequently cremated and interred at Slough crematorium.

After several fruitless searches over the years, I finally tracked down his memorial in the cemetery five or six years ago. I now always try to attend his final resting place on the anniversary of his birth (30 Dec) and death to tend the memorial and leave a token of respect (usually travelling there by Lotus). Yesterday would have been Mike's 87th birthday... RIP (sadly, Lynn died in 2022).

[Bazza 907]

I've searched there for it previously and not been able to find it. I'll have another look next time I'm passing Slough.

I read the Mike Spence book last year. Very sad end to a great man.

[Jack Stone]

Barrie, the Mike Spence memorial is located in sector "(CR)" on the left side of the map below. You can park very close by.

My motorsport pal Richard Jenkins wrote the superb Spence book and has recently published an excellent history of Tyrrell.

[Bibs]

On 31/12/2023 at 19:33, Jack Stone said:

I now always try to attend his final resting place on the anniversary of his birth (30 Dec) and death to tend the memorial and leave a token of respect (usually travelling there by Lotus)

What a lovely and respectful thing to do, thank you for that. I'll have to look up the book and have a read through. 

[Jack Stone]

Mike in the Lotus Type 56 during practice for the 1968 Indianapolis 500

(pic via https://grandprixinsider.wordpress.com)

Edited January 2 by Jack Stone
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