Britain’s first Formula One drivers’ world champion, Mike Hawthorn, will be remembered at this year’s Race Retro with a special celebration.
Hawthorn was killed in a car crash on 22 January 1959, aged just 29 and mere months after clinching that landmark title. To mark the 60th anniversary of his passing, there will be a unique tribute at next month’s event.
Cars on display will include a Lotus Eleven raced by Hawthorn, as well as a Jaguar D-type that’s been rebuilt from the chassis in which Hawthorn, together with Ivor Bueb, won the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Also on show will be items of memorabilia such as a steering wheel from one of his Ferrari F1 racers.
Hawthorn in a Cooper T20-Bristol, en route to third at the 1952 British Grand Prix at Silverstone
“Mike Hawthorn’s contribution to the world of motorsport should never be forgotten,” said Race Retro’s Acting Show Director, Lee Masters.
“The epitome of the English gentleman and a fantastically competitive racer, that 60 years have passed since his death makes this tribute all the more special.”
