Francis Morel, a French rallycross stalwart in the late 20th century and at the turn of the millennium, passed away Saturday, June 20, at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness.

Morel competed in the Championnat de France de Rallycross during the 1980s and well into the early 2000s. This also included dabbling in the Renault Cross side series from 1983 to 1985, where he raced a Renault 4, as well as vehicles like a Renault 11 and Clio 16 S in the main championship. He enjoyed success in both categories, scoring his final Division 2 win at Essay-Orne Normandie in April 1999.

He was also present when the European Rallycross Championship came to his home country. The 1990 round was held at Circuit Jean-Pierre Beltoise while the 1992 edition was at Circuit de Bergerac-Faux, finishing tenth in both. He also took part in 2003, where he got tangled up with Lars Larsson and sent the latter airborne.

The Les Andelys resident is survived by his daughters Sandra and Natacha.

Featured image credit: via Meriadec Pierre