Directory of Historic Racing Cars

Engineering & Transportation

Jenkisnon, Denis (Jenks)

Automotive

Aston Publications, UK

32 Pages of B/W Pictures, 239 Pages John Michael Hawthorn (10 April 1929 - 22 January 1959) was a British racing driver.He made his racing debut in 1950.Race Cars driven 1950-1957: 1.5L Riley, Riley Sprite, Cooper-Bristol, Ferrari, Vanwall, 2.4 Jaguar Sedan, Jaguar D-Type, B.R.M., Lotus, Maserati, and more.In January 1955, Hawthorn joined the Jaguar racing team, replacing Stirling Moss, who had left for Mercedes. Hawthorn won the 1955 24 hours of Le Mans race after an inspired drive in which he set a lap record of 122 mph during a three-hour duel with Fangio in the early stages.  The race was marred by the crash which killed 83 spectators and fellow racer Pierre Levegh, when Hawthorn suddenly braked in front of Lance Macklin's Healey after overtaking him to enter the pits causing Macklin to swerve into the path of Levegh's Mercedes. After colliding with the Healey, the Mercedes struck a tunnel parapet and disintegrated, the engine and other parts flying into the crowd killing 80 spectators and injuring another hundred. (There is an entire Chapter on Hawthorn's view of the accident and his reactions.) Eight hours later, while leading the race and two laps ahead of the Jaguar team, the Mercedes team withdrew from the race, ostensibly as a mark of respect for those who had perished in the accident; the Jaguar team was invited to join them but declined. The French press carried photographs of Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb celebrating their win with the customary champagne but treated them with scorn.Hawthorn was noted for wearing a bow tie when racing.

Challenge Me the Race

Hawthorn, Mike

Concise histories of 37 of the finest racing sports cars from around the world, from A.C. to Kieft to Scarab to Tojeiro.

Directory of Classic Sports-Racing Cars

Lawrence,Mike

Directory of Grand Prix Cars, 1945-65

MIKE LAWRENCE

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