Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE local motor racing community is mourning one of its own after the death of veteran driver Ian Howden.
He was a towering figure whose presence shaped the sport for more than three decades.
Howden died in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday morning after succumbing to cancer.
He was 66.
He is survived by his wife Heather and their two children, Connor and Jessica.
For many in motorsport, Howden was never just another competitor on the grid.
He was a driver, a leader and a driving force whose influence stretched far beyond the cockpit.
A former managing director of Toyota Zimbabwe, he remained deeply woven into the fabric of local racing, competing in karting, motor rally and main circuit racing with the same enthusiasm that marked his earliest days in the sport.
Howden was more than a motor racing driver, he was the heartbeat of local motorsport.
The sense of loss has been heavy and immediate.
Members of the motor racing fraternity spoke of ‘immense and indescribable’ pain as news of his passing filtered through the community.
One of the country’s leading drivers, Adrian Watt, led the tributes, pointing to Howden’s lasting contribution to the growth of the sport.
“It was due to him (Howden) that Toyota Zimbabwe poured so much into motor racing in Zimbabwe.
“Condolences go out to his family and friends. He was really a great guy who will be sorely missed by many,” Watt said.
Two-time African motor rally champion Jamie Whyte echoed those sentiments, describing Howden as a fighter whose impact will endure.
“We’ve lost a truly great guy and a real fighter.
“Words cannot describe the enormous sadness within the local motor racing family, as we come to terms with losing Ian. He has left an indelible mark on all our lives, and will be part of everything we have achieved, and everything we will strive for.”
Gary Kirk, who partnered Howden as his co-driver in local motor rally events, remembered a man whose competitive edge was matched by his character.
“He was always so focused on performance so it was nice to have someone who was a genuinely good human being.
“This (Howden’s death) is tragic news.”
Another local driver, Warren Thorne, added:
“He was a great guy who did a lot for the sport in Zimbabwe. He will be missed.”
Howden’s love affair with motor racing began in Harare, where he caught the bug at a young age.
That passion was briefly put on hold as he served his apprenticeship with Toyota South Africa, but once that chapter closed, racing took centre stage.
