Paul Dutoit - any information?

Submitted by philk on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 18:10

I remember coming across this memorial plaque along Golden Hill Road a few years back and was wondering if anyone could shed any light on what it was doing here. My only knowledge of Paul Dutoit is that he was a Belgian racing driver in the early part of last century, but is this the same chap?

Paul Dutoit memorial
Paul Dutoit memorial, by Philk

The plaque is fixed half way up the side of a cutting along Golden Hill Road - well out of reach of passersby - and I am assuming that this road once formed part of some sort of car race.

I'm grateful to any HK motorsports enthusiasts who can point me in the direction of more information.

Phil

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It didn't take me long to find this page regading the Macau Grand Prix. It appears that Mr Dutoit was the Grand Prix's founder and was a Master at the DBS. However, his English heritage is noted and so I am assuming it is not the same person as the Belgian racer. Anyway, I would love to hear any further information if anyone has some. Also, why the plaque is in the location it is. Many thanks, Phil

Well the Motor Sports Club of Hong Kong still exists, so I guess contacting them would be a good place to start!

https://www.facebook.com/mschkpage/

Other things Google turns up:

From https://www.scmp.com/article/93043/poons-life-fast-lane
"He first became interested in the sport as a schoolboy at the Diocesan Boys' School in Kowloon where his history teacher was Paul Dutoit, founding father of the Macau Grand Prix."

From https://wgm8.com/macau-grand-prix-pride-of-macau/
"Swiss national Paul Dutoit"
(The FIA says "English born" which isn't the same thing as English national, although maybe it was in those days)

And MotorSportMagazine has many articles about one or other Paul Dutoit: https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/person/paul-dutoit

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Submitted by
C
on
Wed, 04/24/2019 - 20:48

There is some information about the history of the Motor Sports Club of Hong Kong here.  Paul Detoit (or 'de Toit') appears to be a significant figure in the early days of the club.

It is unfortunate that 'the Club has been fairly inactive since the mid-eighties, mainly due to a shortage of suitable venues'.

Hi Phil - not sure how I stumbled upon this but here we are.

Paul 'Eric' du toit was my grandfather and - partly due to his early death - we have little history.  So it is wonderful to find something like this and I'll pass it on to my Father.  We travelled to Macua a few years ago and were guests of the grand prix; it was a lovely trip and the museum is worth a visit. As mentioned he was instrumental in helping start the Macau grand prix. 

I'd say to anyone reading this, who may have some history, please do get in touch as we are keen to find out more about our past. 

Also, as far as I know Paul 'Albert' du Toit (Great grandfather) was also involved in motor racing and was a mechanic/ driver. I remember, as a child, looking at old racing photos my grandmother had. I'm sure my Father still has them tucked away somewhere. Not sure if this is anyhting to do with the Belgium you refer too. 

Thanks again for the find! 

Kind regards, Paul 'Richard' du Toit 

Hi Paul, many thanks for leaving a comment. It's great to know he has relatives. But what a shame there isn't more recognition in HK for his humble achievements. I think information is fairly sparse here too, but I am sure if anyone finds out anymore they will be sure to post here or under the person page I set up for your grandfather.

I suspect the Belgian namesake may just be one of those coincidences. I haven't been to Macau for quite a while but next time will head over to the museum. In the meantime please feel free to upload any photos that you'd like to share. There is a tutorial on how to do it here.

Phil 

 

Passenger List April 1948 travelling from Southampton to Hong Kong

Paul Erik Du Toit (sic) age 34 schoolmaster (dob about 1914)

Pamela Mary Du Toit  age 27

Paul Philip Du Toit   age 1

Address in UK 2 Mountney Road Eastbourne Susse