Few can say that they have a collection of winning race machines, and even fewer can say they have been dedicated to sharing that collection with the world.
Such is the case for the late John J. Campion and his extensive collection of iconic Lancias, such as a 1980 Lancia Beta Montecarlo GR5 that ran in the 24 Hours of Daytona and a 1985 Lancia Delta S4 that was used as a test car by the factory WRC team.
A friend of both Classic Motorsports and Grassroots Motorsports, Campion welcomed our readers during our Orange Blossom Tour on more than one occasion.
As reported by the family, Campion passed away on the night of October 2 following complications of a battle with AML Leukemia.
On October 3, the following statement was issued from the family:
The family of John J. Campion shared today the regretful news that following a valiant battle with AML Leukemia, John passed away peacefully last night in the arms of his loving and devoted wife, Suzanne.
Campion’s life and accomplishments were fueled by unwavering passion: for family and friends; for scouring the globe to locate and acquire the finest examples of automotive racing history for his personal, world-renowned auto collection; for the flag of his native Ireland, which most recently served as the backbone of an automotive racing team whose sole purpose it was to mentor Irish talent to compete on the world stage.
John’s innate business sense led him to find success in the farthest reaches of the world, but always with one foot firmly fixed in the humble Cork, Ireland upbringing about which he so passionately reminisced whenever the opportunity arose.
His life’s theme, #IrishVikingStrong, says it all. John captained his own ship, routinely defied odds, and sailed to victory as a habit.
Arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
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By Colin Wood
