How do u tell people that a legend has passed. He did so with family by his side and love in his heart it has been a hard day for many and we spread the news of his passing as quickly as we could he will be missed by anyone who knew him! He is now in heaven. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Definitely lost a legend today my heart is broken thanks everyone yes I’m going to stalk all the comments as I love readying story’s about him just some photos to show his funny side when he learned what snap chat was Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Extremely sad news. So sorry to hear. A true friend and always generous enthusiast. I first met Ray in Laguna Seca/CA/USA almost 40 years ago. Since then we corresponded almost every month or so. RIP. Marcel Massini
Condolences to Ray's family and to those close to him. I didn't spend much time with Ray as I was a late comer to the club, but when I did speak to him I was always amazed that he remembered my name and Jodi's, and he was always very friendly. The stories I've heard about Ray over the years seem to reflect the life of a man who lived with passion. RIP.
Condolences to Ray's family and friends. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Ray, but there have been many wonderful stories here over the years about him which I did enjoy reading. He was a legend and obviously well loved by his family and friends. His journey in life may have come to an end, but his memory will live on forever. RIP
This got me thinking actually to rather ..his legacy will live on. He introduced me to the marque back in '97 and 10 years later I was successful in reaching the milestone. In doing so I introduced my sons to the marque and I'd like to think Josh will attain his Ferrari goal at some stage...thanx Ray. I'm sure there are others out there who've similar stories,he also,with that drive,introduced me to sharing the experience with others.
I think one of the funnier stories is when Ray use to give the driver's briefing on track days and as most of us would remember Ray had a distinctive way of talking and it took so long at the QLD FNR 2001 that DavidL yelled out "Come on Ray, we've only got the track until midday" Another track story is when we were at QR and I was going out and Ray stopped me at the checkpoint and I was thinking "there's nobody on the track" , suddenly Ray had a big smile on his face as Horse pulled up behind me and beeped the horn Ray, being the track marshal for the day decided Horse and I needed the track to ourselves for some frivolity
My favourite story; made better because he told it to me while driving me in the 330 from Morgan Park to Toowoomba... he offered me a drive, but being driven ‘in the manner intended’ was perfection!
I'll post a couple of pics for all, out of the many of memories I have of Ray. Ray never said to much but when he did, you better listen because it was worth remembering. My very first run with the club (The Australian Ferrari Register) in 1980, I was the first at the servo on Beaudesert Rd here in Brisbane. Ray was next and my apprehension of " holy hell all these rich people" quickly evaporated within 5 minutes of talking to Ray and " I....... hope...... you..... like..... to..... drive............. fast...?? and............... do your............ best ........... to keep up. I thought great i haven't made a mistake. Anyway the silver Dino was ray's, the gold BB was Rob Saxons I think and this was taken at the surfers rally at southport. It was hilarious, as Rob invited Ray to go for a quick drive very early in the morning. Off they went and they hadn't been gone to long when I heard this BB in full song coming boiling across the bridge on the southport side. A quick left and into the cover of the dead end street below the bridge where our hotel was. What seemed like minutes but was probably only seconds, a police car came flying over the bridge looking for the offender. I clicked Ray as he got out of the BB with the little smile you see. His lovely 195. Ray in his GTC on the track. And lastly another discussion going on between his very long term mate TB. Thanks for your friendship, the experience, the lessons, and the adventure Ray.
That 512 Boxer in Oro Chiaro is really hot. Was that the Modern Motor cover and feature car - October 1980? Wasn't Aircon's 512 BB originally gold? Same car?
The passing of any person over the rainbow is a sad time . Although I never met Ray in person, my condolences to family ,friends and his Ferrari friends. Reading the posted comments, Ray will be much missed by his fellow QLD friends,Ferrari owners throughout Australia and the Ferrari community worldwide . Like so many the reading in SCW of his Ferrari 195 #0195EL story and his restoration of such a special car , gave one the knowledge that this man was a true enthusiast of the Ferrari marque. I was lucky to drive that said car many decades latter ...a delightful mid 50s GT. Having driven the 330GT 2plus2 that Simon owned, Ray knew how to set up a car , that 330 was one of the most delightfully 60s cars I have driven and I've driven plenty ,the motor was special and just buzzed and the handling superb for a 60s motorcar. Photos of the epic trip in the ex Ray Helm 330GT 2plus2 ...with Simon and John (Brisbane to Melbourne) Rob Bailey. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
