Former Isle of Man Centre ACU sidecar trials champion driver Roger Quayle died last week at the age of 85.

Roger had initially competed in solo trials and scrambles (on a TriBSA) with reasonable success from the 1950s into the 1960s.

He was in his mid-30s when he and George Kewley won their first sidecar title together on an Ariel-powered outfit in 1969.

They won again in 1972 and finally in 1976 on a 250 Suzuki-powered machine.

He and colleague Keith Shimmin founded Q&S Motors in 1970 from the former Bradley’s coal yard in Queen Street, Douglas.

The pair had previously worked together at Finch Hill Motors where Roger had been workshop foreman. Q&S quickly grew and at one point employed up to five people.

Keith only ever committed to 10 years and ultimately stepped out of the business in 1981. Roger continued for another 10 years until retirement, selling the garage to Dave Baxter who had worked for him for a long time.

Roger and wife Norma bought a property near to Poitiers in France which they renovated and enjoyed the use of over the next decade and a half, later enjoying touring in a camper van to Spain.

Having undergone a heart operation at Broadgreen in 2017, Roger later had complications with cancer - but he never lost his sense of humour and pleasant demeanour.

He and Keith Shimmin remained close friends to the very end, meeting every week for a cuppa and catch-up. ’In all the years I knew Roger, I never once saw him lose his temper,’ said Keith. ’He was honest, straight and easy going with a placid temperament. A great friend.’

l Roger Quayle’s funeral service will take place at Douglas Borough Crematorium on Monday, December 23 at 11.30am. JW