18/09/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Richard Peacock, the driving force behind the creation and development of Anglesey Circuit and a much-loved member of our motorsport family.
RICHARD THORNLEY DOBSON PEACOCK
1948 – 2026
Racing Driver, Instructor and the Driving Force Behind Anglesey Circuit
Richard Peacock enjoyed a distinguished motor racing career spanning more than three decades. He began competing in winter ice racing in Ontario, Canada, in 1967/68, before racing sports GT cars, Modsports and, most notably, Formula Ford.
Richard achieved considerable success in Formula Ford, taking five wins and finishing second in the Northern Championship in 1977. The following year he joined Alain de Cadenet’s Le Mans project and established the Aintree Motor Racing School, later expanding the operation to Kirkistown Circuit in Northern Ireland. Among the young drivers he coached there was future Formula One Grand Prix winner Eddie Irvine.
Richard became the inaugural Champion of Oulton in 1982, regained the title in 1984 and won ten races en route to the Formula E Ford Championship in 1986. His later career included Historic Formula One, racing cars including the Tyrrell 010, March 811 and Surtees TS9B, with notable successes at Brands Hatch and the Nürburgring.
A founder member of the Association of Racing Drivers Schools in 1989, Richard also mentored future Silverstone Chief Instructor Chris Ward. He continued winning into the 1990s, becoming Classic Formula Ford champion in 1994.
Richard’s defining legacy to British motorsport is Anglesey Circuit. More than simply helping to establish it, Richard was the vision and driving force behind its creation, development and transformation into the circuit that exists today. In 1995, he was instrumental in creating the circuit at Tŷ Croes, moving his established racing school to the venue and overseeing its development. Two years later, improvements enabled the circuit to secure the necessary ACU and MSA licences to host both motorcycle and car racing.
Richard’s ambitions for Anglesey extended far beyond the original circuit. During the winter of 2006/07, the venue was completely transformed, with an entirely new 2.1-mile circuit built to his design. None of the original track layout was retained, and the resulting circuit, shaped around Anglesey’s dramatic coastal landscape, established the venue on a new level within British motorsport.
Richard continued to develop the facility, adding a purpose-built pit complex, race control and garages in 2012. Even after stepping back as Operations Director, he remained closely involved as a Non-Executive Director of Trac Môn Ltd., and, latterly, as its Patron.
Anglesey Circuit stands today as Richard’s lasting monument: the fulfilment of his vision and an enduring contribution to British motorsport.