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A racing driver, killed in a horrific accident 40 years ago, would have become world champion one of his closest friends said.

Formula One star Tom Pryce from Ruthin died in a crash in the South Africa Grand Prix on March 5, 1977.

Cledwyn Ashford, whose father, like Tom’s, was a police officer in the Vale of Clwyd, said: “The two of us knew each other through our respective fathers and were good friends and I watched every one of his first races.

“He was a very shy man and the only thing on his mind was racing cars.”

When Pryce died aged 27, he as on the verge of signing for JPS – one of the best F1 teams at the time.

Cledwyn said: “I have no doubt Tom would have become world champion. JPS had a great car, a Lotus, and I’m sure Tom would have been on the winners podium.

“After Tom was killed they signed Australian driver Alan Jones and he went on to become world champion.”

Thomas Maldwyn Pryce was born in 1949 in Ruthin, son of Gwyneth and Jack. From a young age, he showed an interest in cars, especially once he managed to get behind the wheel of a bakers van when he was just ten.

He began his motorsport career by entering the British Racing School where he learnt the basics of racing and competed in a series set up by the Motor Racing Stables specifically for racing school pupils.

He won this series in 1970 and decided to give racing a go as a career, and left his farming job to relocate near Brands Hatch.

(Image: Robert Thomas)

Pryce was given a works F3 drive for 1972, driving for Team Rumsey, and won first time out. Racing at Brands Hatch in the support race for the Formula One Race of Champions, Pryce took a win so convincing, that many rivals, including James Hunt and Roger Williamson complained that the Welshman’s car must be underweight.

Cledwyn added: “I followed him around Britain watching his races.

“When he won the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch I was in the pits with his father. I remember him overtaking Jody Scheckter who was driving the six-wheeled racing car.

“Had he not been killed I’m sure we would be talking about a Welsh former racing driver. Tom is still the only Welshman to have won a Formula 1 race,” he said.

Tom Pryce’s memory lives on in the plaque erected in his honour in Ruthin and in a stretch of track at the Anglesey Circuit near Rhosneigr which is named the Tom Pryce Straight.

Clwb2 will be remembering Tom Pryce with Cledwyn Ashford on Sunday, March 5. The programme starts at 10pm and English subtitles available.