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Frank is a qualified and experienced engineer, with a
background in Prototype Vehicle, Speed Record and Racecar design,
development and build programs.
His pedigree in the race car world stretches all
the way back to 1965, since when he has been involved in race
engineering / test driving / building and developing cars for most forms
of motorsport, from Rally to Touring Cars, Historics to F1.
Frank is currently a Consulting Engineer
specialising in automotive projects. Previously he has held the posts
of Race Engineer at Hexagon, Technical Director at Turbo Tork, Chief
Engineer / Race Engineer at Janspeed Motorsport, Technical Engineer at
Janspeed Engineering and Consulting Engineer at Powertrain Developments.
His vast experience
in high speed vehicle development will be put to good use in the final
phases of the vehicle build, testing, development and Steam Car Record
attempt.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Project Manager Frank Swanston
Crosses Final Finish Line
Lymington,
England - It is with profound sadness, that we announce the sudden passing
of Frank Swanston, Project Manager for the British Steam Car Team, who
died unexpectedly on Wednesday 1 August 2007 from complications of lung
cancer.
"He was taken so suddenly," said Team Administrator Lynne Angel, "he
will be sorely missed. Frank was a dear friend as well as work colleague. When
he arrived we all came together; he was the father figure of the team. We relied
on him so much."
Team owner / driver Charles Burnett III, still stunned by the news,
remarked, "Frank was such a font of wisdom; he seems to have driven
every kind of race car under the sun. He was a huge resource of experience
and knowledge for our land speed record project. This is a heavy hit for
all of us."
Frank Swanston was a consulting engineer well known in motor racing
circles; his four-decade long professional engineering background was firmly
rooted in race car design, vehicle development and build programs including
prototype work.
From rally to touring cars, historics to Formula One, he was also a
track test driver and top-notch fabricator - impeccable credentials to lead
the final phases of the vehicle build, testing, development of the steam
car record attempt.
His past postings included: Race Engineer at Hexagon, Technical Director
at Turbo Tork, Chief Engineer / Race Engineer at Janspeed Motorsport, Technical
Engineer at Janspeed Engineering and Consulting Engineer at Powertrain Developments.
Further information can be located at: www.frankswanston.co.uk
Peter Candy, engineering consultant to the team, friend and colleague
of Frank's since the late 1980's, reflected, "Anyone who worked with
him benefited from the experience, I could trust whatever he told me. When
Frank was Director of Janspeed, they pioneered turbo-charging conversions
long before the OEMs woke up to power boost potential for engines. He also
prepared dozens of MGF sports cars for a race series and helped develop a
London taxicab prototype to run on propane that passed all applicable emission
tests in force at the time. Frank also campaigned such iconic racing machines
as the Lister Jaguar and Birdcage Maserati."
Team mate Peter Prove, who also worked with him at Janspeed, shared
his observations, "Frank brought credibility to our steam project; he
had earned such immense respect from everyone who knew him and worked with
him in motorsport. People knew if Frank were involved, it was a serious project."
Peter continued "He was good engineer, good person and good friend.
Frank created a comfortable working environment, one where you could come
to him with problems and not feel you were going to be in trouble. Frank
had an engineer's analytical mind and could sort out problems properly without
fuss or drama. You knew where the lines were drawn yet he trusted you to
do whatever job he assigned you. His management style was that of mutual
trust."
Frank Swanston spent so many years leading many racing teams that he
could sense when things were off kilter with people. Peter concluded with
this insight: "He had the ability to help you through rough patches
in your personal life and had wide shoulders that you could lean on if you
wanted to."
Perhaps the words of Pam Swanston, Frank's wife, sum up how the team
felt when the news slammed home earlier yesterday, "Why do they always
take the most kind and generous of this world?"
The Steam Car Team mourns Frank Swanston's passing and extend the deepest
sympathies to his entire family.
The
Funeral was held at Beaulieu Abbey, Beaulieu, Hampshire on Wednesday,
15 August 2007. The family
has requested that donations be made instead of flowers to: The Oakhaven
Hospice. Donations can been sent to the funeral directors, F.W.
House & Sons, 33-34 St Thomas Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41
9NE
(cheques payable to: The Oakhaven Hospice)
Messages of Condolence
From Pam Swanston
I would like to extend my heartfelt
thanks for all the kind messages which have been left on this condolence
page.
At this time of deepest sadness we can take some comfort from knowing
how much you all cared about this wonderful modest man who we all loved so
much and who loved us.
Although our lives seem so empty at the moment and we feel an enormous
sense of loss we are thankful for the time we had with Frank, he was simply
the “best time of our lives”.
Pam , 5 September 2007
From Nicky,(daughter) and Kyle
and Taylor (grandchildren)
Dad, you were one in a million, will miss your smile and your hugs
more
than I can say.
Grandad Bushybeard we called you and you called us Squiblets. We miss
you.
Nicky, Kyle and Taylor, 4 September
2007
From "Landspeed" Louise
Ann Noeth, Member: Board of Directors/Motor Press Guild, American Auto
Racing Writers & Broadcasters, Society of Automotive Historians, Western
Automotive Journalists
He had only walked the salt once in his life but he made an indelible
impression – on me, SCTA, and everyone who had a chance to make
the acquaintance of Frank Swanston. As Project Manager for the British
Steam Car Challenge, Swanston had come over from the south of England
in 2006 to survey the flats for the team's up coming speed record attempts.
We spent a week chasing around Speedweek trying to give him, crewmen
Peter Prove and Matt Warr a “lay of the land.” All three were
filled with youthful enthusiasm that only comes from walking the pits, hanging
on the starting line, poking around the inspection lines and being part of
the experiment of speed out on the great white dyno.
The salt virgin trio was quickly infected with the fever and plans
were fermenting even before they left the salt. The high point for me, from
a historical and technical perspective, came during dinner one night where
I had invited Speedweek officials Mike Manghelli and Lee Kennedy to meet
with Swanston, Prove, Warr and team owner Charles Burnett III (CBIII) to
discuss the steam car project.
I knew it was a tall order to get the car sorted out properly from
a safety standpoint because the all the building was being done overseas
and the steam propulsion system would leave most inspectors scratching their
heads about what needed to be there or not. The Brits wanted to be safe as
well as fast – about 225 miles per hour worth.
I knew Kennedy had a background in steam power plants so he was the
logical guy to approach. After the main meal was done, Swanston, Manghelli,
Kennedy and Burnett hunkered down for some serious tech talk.
I was downright impressed as the SCTA fellows fired off a barrage of
pertinent, probing questions and Swanston came back with neat and tidy answers
for each one. His answers were complete and forthcoming, you could tell the
guy didn’t have any hidden agenda and often volunteered much more information
than was asked.
In the end, it was Swanston who instilled a high regard of respect
for the project in the minds of Kennedy and Manghelli. As the night ended
I realized this fellow Swanston was more of a race savvy engineer than I
had figured on. He oozed credibility.
All this flooded back into my mind when CBIII phoned in early August.
With a sorrowful, grief laden voice, he told me that Frank had died that
morning. From a nagging cough that wouldn’t go away to dead in about
three months. Esophageal cancer works nasty fast. Frank had crossed his final
finish line.
Team mate Prove who also worked with Frank at Janspeed, understood
the credibility that attached to the steam project when Frank signed
Me? I’ve wandered through countless working raceshops and I was more
than impressed with how this guy handled not only himself, but how he inspired
others – to reach within themselves to deliver better than they thought
possible.
And another thing -- the shop was quiet yet humming. Having lost half
my hearing as a infant, I’m super-sensitive to sound, or lack of it.
Everyone was engaged, absorbed in their particular task at hand. There was
none of this “Uh Oh, the boss is coming, look busy” goofiness – the
team was motivated. Such motivation comes from the leader; it was obvious
Frank had most uncanny ability to lead with what amounted to a whisper in
comparison to most shops where the clamour of machinery and loud voices could
make you dizzy. Most knew of his engineering prowess, but I believe his thoughtful
consideration for others dwarfed the mechanical skills.
Losing Frank has got to feel like losing a front tire at 100MPH, you
damn well know you have to get a grip on the situation and until you do,
everything else doesn’t matter at all.
It is crushing to ponder this turn of events. I wasn’t a long-time
colleague, or friend, but you can bet Frank Swanston touched my life in ways
that will forever shape the rest of my life, especially in racing.
Maybe it was time for Frank to open Pearly Gates Engineering. I’m hoping
the Steam Team’s thermodynamic law breaker will be the recipient of
some heavenly hints and celestial safety next year.
Ok, time to take a breath, say a prayer and remember that big smile
that scrunched up his eyes and the hearty, rich chuckle the man always had
a the ready.
And Pam, next time I’m over, its clotted cream, scones and tea on me –
count on it sweetie. I’ll find ya.
Speedy Hugs,
"LandSpeed" Louise,
14 August 2007
From RON & JUDITH BINNINGTON & Family
When we met Frank in Lymington at the March Open Day this year,
he answered
our questions in detail and with great patience, and made us feel welcome.
A huge loss to the British Steamcar Challenge Team. Our condolences
to his
family.
Ron and Judith Binnington & Family, 14 August 2007
From REBECCA NICHOLLS, Eventageous
PR
It was a complete shock to hear the sad news, and I still can’t
get my head around it. I just can’t seem to find the right words
to express my profound sadness. It has been an absolute pleasure working
with you. My thoughts are with Pam, your family and the team at this
dreadful time.
The car will get to Bonny, and your spirit and passion for the project
will live on forever.
Rebecca Nicholls, 10 August 2007
From BRIAN & MARY ANG & FAMILY
I first met Frank in 1972 when I joined Hexagon as a mechanic.
Then he was just my boss, but for me and every other mechanic it was
a joy to work under Frank, for his knowledge and experience of the
types of performance vehicles in the workshop was legion. We all benefited
from his patience and understanding. It was both fun and exciting to
go road testing, being driven by Frank.
In time I was lucky enough to count Frank as a friend. After leaving
London to return to my home in Liverpool, I kept in touch with Frank by telephone
to chat and frequently to pick his substantial brain. To others this may
have been a nuisance, but not Frank, he was always patient, understanding
and very helpful.
Much later, during a visit to my home, he became a good friend to my
wife and kids and we all enjoyed his visit tremendously.
Later on he and Pam were kind enough to invite the four of us to their
home, when we were made most welcome, and felt very much at home. Pam and
Frank were gracious hosts.
The distance between our homes made it difficult to enjoy their company
often, but this was never a bar to our friendship and our regard for Pam
and Frank, though we spoke occasionally by phone.
For Pam and family and everyone whose life Frank touched, his loss
will be immeasurable, and our hearts go out to them all.
I will always have fond memories of Frank, a true friend.
Brian and Mary Ang, 11 August 2007
Message from ISOBEL SWANSTON
(Frank's grand-daughter), aged 7.
We all miss you!
You were always kind, nice and cheerful.
On dull and dark days, you have cheered us all up.
We are sad to see you go, but so glad you were here.
Isobel Swanston, 9 August 2007
From MICHAEL HODGES, MPH Communications
I am so sorry to hear the news of the passing one of life's kindest
and finest people and most gifted creator of ideas ...My sincerest
respects to Frank's family.
Michael Hodges, 9 August 2007
From PETER WARD, Slough Heat & Power
Not having known Frank for very long and only through the British Steam
Car Challenge his enthusiasm and commitment really instilled the 'Inspiration'
to the project and its successful conclusion will be a fitting epitaph to
his memory.
Peter Ward, 9 August 2007
From ADAM RAMSDAN, Goodridge Tyres
I am very sad to hear this news, and it has been a pleasure to be involved
with this project, and to work with a great innovator
Please pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Frank
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend, as I am working overseas
With best regards to you and all the team
Adam Ramsdan, 9 August 2007
From JASON PLATO
Frank was without doubt, one of life’s few, true gentlemen. He had
an infectious passion for everything he did, especially his love for his
wife Pam, their family and friends. A lovely man who will be deeply missed
by many. My most sincere condolences.
Jason Plato, 8 August 2007
From JIM REED
I did not know Frank or about his life. The loss of anyone dedicated
to high performance steam power would be sadly missed. Loosing such a guiding
light involved with such a great project is truly devastating.
Jim Reed, 8 August 2007
From BRUCE & MARTHA SCHOLTEN
Godspeed Frank Swanston.
Rest in peace.
Bruce & Martha Scholten, 8 August 2007
From DAVE NORTON, Flowserve Corporation
I am so very sorry to hear. Please convey my sympathies to the family.
Dave Norton, 8 August 2007
From MARGUS H. KUUSE
Please give Mrs. Swanston deepest condolences from behalf of Estonian
speed freaks (and Estonia with its formula car - over 1300 built - and racing
bike manufacturing was the seat of speed in the USSR).
Margus H. Kuuse, 8 August 2007
From JOHN COXON
Sorry to hear the sad news. Please convey my deepest sympathy to the
rest of the team and especially his poor wife Pam and their family. My thoughts
are with them at this difficult time.
John Coxon, 8 August 2007
From MAX GLASKIN
So sorry to learn the bad news. Frank was always so helpful and generous.
It's a sad loss.
Max Glaskin, 8 August 2007
From GRAHAM JONES, European
Minardi Team
Frank and I crossed paths on two occasions, the first when I was
working as a journalist for Cars and Car Conversions magazine,
and he as chief engineer at Janspeed, and the second, when I was writing
for the Castrol Motorsport newsletter, and covering the Janspeed-prepared
Nissan Primeras in the British Touring Car Championship. On all occasions
when we met, or when I spoke with him on the telephone, Frank couldn't
have been more patient, helpful or informative, despite obviously being
a very busy man with a lot of demands on his time. As others have observed
in their tributes, he was real gentleman, and always seemed to make
time for those he could sense had a genuine passion for cars, engineering
and motorsport. Sadly, he now joins a small, but special, personal
list of individuals I have known in the sport, all of whom have departed
far too early. My sincere condolences to his family and friends on
their loss.
Graham Jones, 7 August 2007
From OLE BUHL, Ole Buhl Racing
Frank was a talented and gifted engineer, for whom challenges were
merely opportunities for innovation.
I first worked with him during 1997 on the Rover Land Speed record.
I was immediately struck by, not only his skill, but his placid, calm and
thorough approach. Other UK based projects were to follow, convincing me
of the need to move my motorsport business from Denmark to the UK. Frank
gave me every encouragement and support, enabling the successful transfer
of both my family and business to the UK. For this, I remain ever grateful
to him.
Frank was a generous and resourceful individual who always made time
for others. He was a person of enormous skill and knowledge both professionally
and personally, with an unassuming manner which commanded utmost respect
from all who were fortunate to know him.
I shall remember Frank as a valued friend and business associate. Motorsport
has lost a highly respected engineer and his family have lost a husband,
father and grandfather. We have all lost a true gentleman.
Ole Buhl, 7 August 2007
From DENNIS A. DUDZIK, President, International Association for
the Advancement of Stream Power
We are saddened to hear of the
death of Frank Swanston and wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathies
to Frank's family and the members of the British Steam Car Challenge team. All
of us working in modern steam power development will feel the loss of Frank's
experience, expertise and passion.
Please extend our sincere condelences
to Frank's family and the British Steam Car Challenge Team.
Dennis A. Dudzik, 6 August 2007
From RICK PLUMMER, Spirax-Sarco Ltd
I was really shocked and saddened to hear of Frank's untimely death.
Frank was always a pleasure to deal with when he called me about some
steam question, or to see if any of our products might be suitable for the
car or for testing purposes. He was always soft spoken yet knew what he wanted
out of the call. I have spoken to colleagues here at Spirax and they join
me in sending our condolences and sympathy to your close-knit team, and of
course to his wife Pam. Frank will be a huge loss to all of you.
Rick Plummer, 6 August 2007
From CHRIS PIERCY, Images at Work
As a person with only limited knowledge of things mechanical, a conversation
with Frank left me feeling truly enlightened and enriched. He would steer
you through the most complex of answers to question which you would only
dare ask him, he never made you feel self conscious or inadequate. A true
Gentleman!
"Heaven will be a better place for having you Frank, and speed has always
been a part of your life on earth, we just wish you had not left us so quickly"!
Chris Piercy, 7 August 2007
From GARY & TOM, YA Logistics
We are very shocked to hear the sad passing of Frank even though both
Tom & I had not had the pleasure of knowing Frank for that long, it was
still a pleasure to have the opportunity to have met Frank .
Please can you pass on to Frank's Family our deepest sympathy.
Gary & Tom, 7 August 2007
From SARAH HARVEY, Personal Friend
Pam and Frank lived next door to us when they lived at Ford nr Salisbury
for over 10 years. They became the very best of friends to us, enjoying many
good times and providing support during difficult times, as we did to them.
They also introduced me to my current employer, Ole Buhl, when he moved his
motorsport business and family to the UK from Denmark. I first heard the
devastating news at work about Frank, before Pam phoned us at home later
that evening. Working with him you will understand he was "one in a
million", a man with so many wonderful qualities, rarely seen in one
person. He will be especially missed by so many.
Sarah Harvey, 7 August 2007
From JOHN GETTY, CHAIRMAN, PDS
Engineering
In the world of speed records and advanced engineering in which we
operate there are a few characters who really stand out. Frank Swanston was
one of those people, although he spoke with a 'southern' accent his sense
of humour and positive approach endeared him to all us 'northerners' at PDS.
Having worked with Frank for the
last couple of years I can honestly say I have enjoyed his company and he
will be sorely missed by the people at our end of the steam car operation.
To Pam and Frank's family I offer my deepest sympathies and although
I know mere words are not enough I hope she can take some comfort in knowing
the respect that Frank commanded among the engineering fraternity.
A sad loss indeed !
John Getty, 6 August 2007
From DAVID BURDITT, Daytron
Technology
Thank you for the e-mail with the sad news about Frank. I had spoken
to him many times in recent years but only met him the once when I came down
to Lymington at the end of March this year.
His kind and helpful personality
was always to the fore. He'd even tried to help my son track down some rare
Janspeed performance parts for his Vauxhall Chevette, unsuccessfully unfortunately
- but he did try hard to do so.
It's a great loss I'm sure to his
family and friends, BSCC and the world of motorsport in general. A true enthusiast.
David Burditt, 6 August 2007
From RAY WAKEFIELD, Speed Record South Africa
My condolences to all of you. Please pass on my deepest sympathy and
respect to his wife and family.
All very, very sad.
Ray Wakefield, 4 August 2007
From ROGER BELL
What awful news. What a terrible loss. Please let me know where and
when the funeral will be.
Roger Bell, 3 August 2007
From JIM REGO, BUB Tech Support
VERY SORRY to hear your loss.
Didn't know the man but by his description in your letter, sounded
like one heck of a man!
Good luck at the Speed Trials, he'll be watching you, so do good!
Jim Rego, 3 August 2007
From MIKE DEWHURST,CTG Limited
This has come as a great shock and fills me with sadness. Frank will
be sincerely missed.
Mike Dewhurst, 3 August 2007
From AFANDI DARLINGTON, Optimal Aerodynamics
I am very sorry to hear of Frank’s death – I only met him a couple
of times but he came across as a gentlemen with deep technical ability. He
will clearly be missed.
Afandi Darlington, 3 August 2007
From STEPHEN HARPAM, Merck Chemicals
I only ever met Frank about 5/6 times but what was clear is that he
was a dedicated, hard working and genuine person, please accept my condolences
from everyone here at Merck Chemicals. Our thoughts are with his family.
Stephen Harpam, 3 August 2007
From LEANIE WELCH – Bodycote
Very sad news. My sincere condolences to the Steam Car Team and Frank’s
family.
Leanie Welch, 3 August 2007
From PAUL MICHAELS
Paul Michaels, owner of Hexagon
of Highgate, was deeply saddened by the news and would like to express his
heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family. Frank worked for Hexagon
for many years. He was initially employed as a mechanic, but Paul soon
realised what an incredibly talented engineer Frank was and almost instantly
promoted him to workshop manager, and then across to Hexagon Brabham Formula
1 Racing Team. Frank was instrumental in John Watson’s success in 1974
season.
Paul Michaels, 2 August 2007
From IAIN P W ROBERTSON
As a motoring journalist of the
past thirty+ years, I bump into, collide with and have memories of many people,
who have been key to my career and about whom I have written. Frank Swanston
was one of a very small group of real, larger-than-life characters about
whom death was never an option. They were immortal. Yet, the very use of
the past tense highlights an important criterion. They are no longer with
us.
Frank Swanston was somebody that I feared immensely. When I first came
into contact with him, he was working with Janspeed Ltd, the Salisbury-based
tuning and engineering firm. Although I had been friends with Jan Odor for
many years, and naturally his son, Kieth, both that great man and his much-adored
son often deferred to Frank on matters related to vehicle engineering. Yet,
I was afraid of even going into his working office in the bowels of the company.
He was a "hands-on"
engineer of the very highest calibre and I scarcely knew him, although
I knew a lot about him.
However, at our first meeting, I discovered a man of great intensity,
who knew and understood his work so well that whatever solutions he provided
were often the definitive examples. Our second meeting was like being in
the company of an old friend. We had already created a tremendous empathy.
In truth, I never got to know Frank exceedingly well. Yet, that did not stop
us enjoying a very dear, if highly respectful, from my side, friendship.
I knew of his wife, Pam, to whom he was totally devoted, and I knew of his
family, but I never really got to know them all, personally.
Frank remained one of the most delightful people I have ever known
in this hurly-burly business. Whenever I had a question, he would invariably
proffer an answer. His warm smile, his warm heart, his endeavour never to
suffer fools with too much gladness were aspects of a great man, whom I shall
never forget. Frank Swanston was my friend and I shall remain forever proud
that I knew him and had been touched by his unique humanity.
IAIN P W ROBERTSON, 3 August 2007
From JEREMY WALTON
Frank was a compassionate gentleman who modestly his his enormous
practical and theoretical engineering talents behind his everyday appeal
as a warm and patient human being.
In 40 years dealing with the motor
racing business and one glorious season racing with Keith Odor under Frank's
stewardship, I never dealt with a finer gentleman.
His achievements are public knowledge
in the business, but my sincere sympathy goes to those who had the privilege
of knowing him privately. Frank was a treat to work with, so his loss amongst
those who shared his life, particularly his wife Pam, can only be imagined.
Jeremy Walton, 3 August 2007
From BARBIE MCSEAN & STEVE
GEORGII
We first met Frank at the British
Steam Car Challenge offices in Lymington, where he had recently joined the
team. It soon became very clear to us that he had a vast knowledge
of motorsport and engineering, all of which would be invaluable to the project.
Whilst Frank's passing will leave
a gap at Lymington, it is hard to imagine what this must mean for Frank's
family and close friends.
Barbie McSean, 4 August 2007
If you would like to send a message
of condolence, please send an email to steamcar@harlequinhouse.com
Last updated 4 September 2007
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