Death of driving champion, 45

Adrian Tillman, a racing manager at Arlington's Spedeworth race track, died aged 45 from cancer at St Wilfred's Hospice.

He started banger racing when he was 17 and won the Stock Rods European Championship in a 1,300cc Toyota Starlet car in 1991.

His father Geoffrey Tillman said more than 300 people from all over the racing world were expected at his funeral.

He added: 'He was a very likeable person and he would mix with anybody.

'He helped a lot of people and the other drivers on the rack track.'

Edna, his mother, said her son was known for getting on well with everyone.

She said: 'He was a very helpful lad.

'He always had a little car, ever since he was four years old and he was good with his hands.'

Janet Wood, co-owner of the Spedeway race track, said Mr Tillman was a 'Godsend.'

She added: 'Adrian was loyal in every way and so trustworthy.

'He went to every meeting, he was that sort of bloke.

'He will be very sadly missed by my husband Dean and I, and the drivers and spectators.'

Mrs Wood said she saw Mr Tillman, from Windmill Hill, at a race track meeting, just six days before he died.

She added: 'He looked awful but he still got himself there to the meeting.

'He lived for racing, that was his life.'

He travelled a lot in his stock car racing career, under the racing number 473, taking part in small oval races all over England, Scotland and Belgium.

The funeral will be held at 3.15pm at Eastbourne Crematorium at Langney on October 18.

Do you have memories of Adrian Tillman's racing exploits? Email us at [email protected].