Paul Hayes

Noel Edmonds recalls his 1976 Tour of Britain rally crash with Formula 1 driver James Hunt, describing their unlikely partnership and Hunt’s disregard for his co‑driver instructions that led to the accident in Norfolk’s Hockering Wood. The event, sponsored by Texaco and involving a modified Vauxhall Magnum, drew local enthusiasm and occurred shortly after Hunt’s French Grand Prix win. Although the pair were unhurt, they withdrew from the competition, and Hunt went on to win the 1976 F1 World Championship after his season‑long battle with Niki Lauda.