It is with great sadness that we have to inform you all of the untimely death of Joy Rainey, whilst holidaying, in Australia the country of her birth.
Joy had motorsport running through her veins from birth, and her father, Murray Rainey a talented engineer, was Australian Formula Three Champion on three occasions.
Joy's own motorsport achievements started in karting, before going on to hillclimbing in a range of cars, from a three wheeler Morgan, E-Type and a vintage Alfa Romeo, to the ultimate machine, a single seater Pilbeam.
Joy held the ladies record at Shelsley Walsh for 22 years.
She then moved into long distance events, competing in the 2004 London to Sydney rally with partner, Trevor Hulks, in a Morris Minor, and then she crossed South America in a Jeep on the Carrera Sud-Americana.
In 2013 Joy made perhaps her most ambitious trip, driving her 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile almost 3,000 mile across America with Mark Riley alongside. Mark joined her again in 2014 when she drove the Oldsmobile across Australia, becoming the first women to cross central Australia in a single cylinder vehicle.
More adventures were planned, but sadly they are not to be..........................................................
The 500 Owners Association wishes to pass its condolences to all of Joy's family and close friends across the World and will keep members informed of any further news as and when it becomes available