Cal Club Autocross Forums

Received this from Jo Ann:

Hi Everyone:

It is with a heavy heart that I write you to tell you that Grant Byers passed away last night.

He had always made it quite clear that he did not want a funeral or memorial service. So maybe we can all say a little prayer for him.

Jo Ann Lynch

I remember Grant from when I first started. A great guy, always friendly and helpful. And could out drive virtually anybody in their own car. One of those with natural talent in a car.

I didn't know Grant, but I've heard some stories.

You don't suppose Grant and Craig will be staging some time trials in the clouds? Maybe the Merrill father-son will handle the timing?

Grant was my first ever instructor back in 1990. Sad to hear this.

Sorry to hear about Grant.

He was very helpful in setting up my '85 Z28.

Grant was my fist instructor also. I remember riding around a Lotus West school course in his big, 4 door Oldsmobile completely amazed that a boat could be driven so fast, and in such a calm manner.

I knew Grant pretty well... quite a driver and very good at car set up. Quite a loss.

I remember Grant from years past when he had the "Sunkist" Lotus. He always had a smile for me when I showed up at an event. Craig & Grant used to spend a lot of time together at the events just reminiscing about the good old days. Grant will be missed in the Solo community.

Most of you don`t know me, I have`nt posted before. I was going to post on Graig Angels memorial site but I was able to tell Renee,in person at the memorial, how I felt toward my friend Graig.
Now Grant, "MISTER SMOOTH". This guy could drive. A true gentleman. My friend.
If you ever wanted to sort out a car, you asked Grant to drive it. He took a stock corvette, when he was working for Monroe Shocks, and took TTD at Lone Pine.
MAN, Thinking back of those days, Graig, Grant, Renee(the girl friend)Jardines, Crites, Rod, Don Hume, Herb Berkman, Earl, Andy, the list could go on forever, as well as the memories, and the stories, yes, the stories, we need to keep telling the stories, don`t they bring a smile to our faces.
Yes, I`m rambling, but these were my friends, I will miss them.

Jaw just dropped! Wow!
I remember watching Grant make a run in someone's car at Lion Country and his time was much lower than the owner's time. Craig's comment was "the guy's not human".
When I had an '88 Firebird Formula 350 (around '94), I asked Grant to ride along with me. I was so nervous that I screwed up the first turn (an easy one) and spun. I did the rest of the run OK. His one comment (easier and smoother on the brakes) helped me alot.
He invited me to a GRA day at Willow Springs, and took me for about 10 laps in his ZR-1. It took about 5 laps before I started to loosen my muscles and grip on the door handle, finally realizing that Grant was perfectly in control and that this was not out of the ordinary. That was a VERY fast 10 laps!
If you asked for help, he usually said something that helped - very knowledgable.
Sad to hear that he is gone.
Keith Lyon

Never got the opportunity to meet this man, but its always sad to see anyone go who was as influential as he seems to have been in the racing community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends/family.