As many of you may have already heard, Mike Panes passed away peacefully yesterday (16/3/05) afternoon following a brief illness.

My own words simply can't convey the sadness of this shocking news, which I know will be felt by the enormous number of people who knew Mike. During the nine years since we met, Mike proved to be not only an accomplished co-driver, but also a very dear friend. I feel privileged to be on the list of drivers with whom Mike competed, which also includes Bill Gwynne, John Price, Bob Fowden, Phil Morgan, John Morgan, Simon Mauger, Leon Pesticcio, Chris Moore and David Wright to name but a few.

Mike's enthusiasm and professionalism throughout his 25 plus years in rallying has rubbed off on everyone who met him, and our sport is without doubt a poorer place without "Scotty".