A statement released by Hopkirk’s family on Friday read: “First and foremost, Paddy was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Despite studying engineering at Trinity College Dublin, Hopkirk would drop out to focus on racing. And in 2010, after an illustrious career, Hopkirk was inducted into the Rally Hall of Fame. The FIA – the governing body for world motorsport – tweeted: “We pay tribute to former Rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who passed away at the age of 89. Mini Sport wrote: “Passing of a Champion – Paddy Hopkirk MBE… It is with heavy hearts that we are sharing the news with you that our very dear friend Paddy Hopkirk MBE passed away on Thursday evening.”.

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