A new direction for Ray Massey

One of the most surprising pieces of news to emerge in recent days was that Guild member Ray Massey has penned his last motoring column for the Daily Mail.

Ray has been at the Mail for 31 years, a record for the newspaper. He took over from Guild member Michael Kemp in 1995, joining an illustrious list of correspondents that in the 1930s included Land Speed Record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell.  

For 15 of those years, Ray also doubled as the Mail’s Transport Editor, covering aviation, marine and rail, including HS2, in addition to automotive.

Ray described the change as marking the end of one chapter and the start of an exciting new phase. “It has been a real privilege to have covered the motoring beat for the Daily Mail for 31 years – which is officially a record across the newspaper’s 130-year history” he said.

“With my strong background in news reporting, when I took over the motoring beat in 1995 my primary brief was to be a champion for the consumer and our wonderful readers.

“But there was also a very strong political and business element. I arrived on the scene just as German car giant BMW had bought its ‘English patient’ Rover – which nearly brought the company down.

“I always liked to say that my job was ‘more Jeremy Paxman than Jeremy Clarkson’ because there is much more to it than reviewing cars. Motoring in all its aspects is an amazingly strong news area for those prepared to dig. It’s a fabulous beat with amazing characters.”

Ray celebrated his departure in typical fashion, as a guest at the Duke of Richmond’s Goodwood Ball held on the Saturday evening of the Festival of Speed meeting. He’s not letting on just yet what he’s going to be up to in the future, but added; “I have never been the retiring type, and I do not intend to start now, with a number of exciting projects already in the pipeline.

“I may be changing lanes and changing gear, but I’ve still got my focus fixed firmly on the road ahead.”

Below: Ray won’t be stuck for things to do – he’s joined the Guild Committee. Photo: Jeff Bloxham