The World Championship drivers — Where are they now?
by Richard Jenkins
| See also |
|---|
|
Formula 3000 drivers Indy 500 drivers North American Racers World Championship team bosses |
I have endeavoured to try and provide as up-to-date and accurate information as possible for everyone featured on this site, and I am always indebted to the many contributors who help with the information on this site and sadly, space doesn't allow for me to thank everyone here. However, I would like to dedicate the ongoing work, progress and achievements on this site to those contributors who are sadly no longer with us but helped aide this project so much: Len Calinoff, Phil Harms, Gene Heeter, Earl Ma, Don Radbruch and Roscoe H Rann.
Updates and corrections are always welcomed — please either join the debate here or feel free to contact me on with any information you might have.
This part of the site is also dedicated to the memory of Tony Marsh, as it was his post-Grand Prix life that served as the initial inspiration for "Where Are They Now" back in 1998 For more about what this part of the site is trying to achieve, please read my full introduction.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
| Name | Born | Died | Nat | Grands Prix | Biography |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fritz d'Orey |
25 Mar 1938 Sao Paulo |
|
BR |
3 (1959) |
Still alive, having recovered from serious injuries sustained in a 1961 crash. Now lives in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, keeping up his links with motorsport through historic meetings. Worked in his father's construction and garage businesses until D'Orey Sr's death, now works part-time with computers. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Cristiano da Matta |
19 Sep 1973 Belo Horizonte |
|
BR |
28 (2003-2004) |
Went back to the US and CART after F1, but was badly injured in a testing crash at Elkhart Lake in 2006. His recovery was slow but he is back racing - he did some kart events in 2007, and was in Grand-Am in 2008 and 2009. Now racing trucks in Brazil. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Hermano da Silva Ramos |
07 Dec 1925 Paris |
|
F/BR |
7 (1955-1956) |
Still makes rare appearances at historic events, including, recently, the Monaco Historic event in 2010. Otherwise resides in Ascain, France and occasionally returns to Brazil as well. (Last updated 7 Jul 2010) |
| Chuck Daigh |
29 Nov 1923 Long Beach, California |
29 Apr 2008 Newport Beach, California |
USA |
3 (1959-60) |
Worked in engineering until his 80's, and was a frequent visitor to historic events until just before his death. Also worked as a car restorer. Died after heart and respiratory problems. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Yannick Dalmas |
28 Jul 1961 Toulon |
|
F |
23 (1987-1994) |
Sportscar great, with four Le Mans wins to his credit. Now works for DSV Timing (motorsport timing and video company) as a distributor and rep in both France and Spain. He also commentates, and works as a driving consultant and racing instructor and has now retired from driving. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Derek Daly |
11 Mar 1953 Stillorgan, Dublin |
|
IRL |
49 (1978-1992) |
Works in the US for Speedvision and also has a racing school at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He also is a businessman, speaker and driver coach, as well as running a professional services company. His son also races. |
| Christian Danner |
04 Apr 1958 Munich |
|
D |
36 (1985-1989) |
Still driving, although more as a tester and in classic events (ie Mini events) than touring cars, in which he drove for years. Having said that, he appeared in F3000 Italia in 2005, as a warm up for the GP Masters in which he raced in 2005 and 2006 and also raced in Asian Speedcars in 2008. Also works as a TV commentator and had a spell as an administrator and also works as a journalist. Read interview. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jorge Daponte |
05 Jun 1923 Buenos Aires |
09 Mar 1963 Buenos Aires |
RA |
2 (1954) |
Died suddenly, possibly a suicide. He was a businessman after racing, until his death. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Anthony Davidson |
18 Apr 1979 Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire |
|
GB |
24 (2002-2008) |
Long-time Honda test and reserve driver, was Super Aguri's race driver until their collapse. Now a commentator for BBC radio, he also takes part one or two big endurance races. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jimmy Davies |
08 Aug 1929 Glendale, California |
11 Jun 1966 Chicago, Illinois |
USA |
5 (1950-1955) |
Killed in a midget racing crash at Santa Fe Speedway. A midget ace, he won 3 national USAC midget titles. Also, unusually for the era, raced in Australia in the same discipline in the early 60's. Also fought in the Korean War. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Colin Davis |
29 Jul 1933 Marylebone, London |
|
GB |
2 (1959) |
Now retired and living near Cape Town, South Africa. Son of the the great Sammy, the Bentley boy/journalist. Colin was based in both the UK and the continent during his career and won the Targa Florio in 1964. He retired due to business and family reasons. Later worked as a broadcaster on South African TV. (Last updated 7 Jul 2010) |
| Jimmy Daywalt |
28 Aug 1924 Wabash, Indiana |
04 Apr 1966 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
6 (1953-1959) |
Died of cancer, and this fight against the disease brought an early end to his career. Indy stalwart, who mainly raced in sprint cars and sometimes built his own cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Andrea De Adamich |
03 Oct 1941 Trieste |
|
I |
30 (1968-1973) |
Runs the hugely popular and successful CIGS racing instructing school, but is also involved in historic festivals and journalism, as well as being a TV anchorman and broadcaster. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Elio De Angelis |
26 Mar 1958 Rome |
15 May 1986 Marseille, France |
I |
108 (1979-1986) |
Hugely popular driver killed in a testing crash at Paul Ricard. Musically talented, he could've been a concert pianist. Well mannered and cultured, he overcame the 'rich boy' tag with some fast drives. |
| Andrea De Cesaris |
31 May 1959 Rome |
|
I |
208 (1980-1994) |
Now lives in Monaco, happily retired, although he does some windsurfing in his spare time and also acts as a currency trader. Made a surprise return to racing in winter 2005/06 in the Grand Prix Masters. Read interview. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Alain de Changy |
05 Feb 1922 Brussels |
05 Aug 1994 Etterbeek |
B |
0 (1959) |
Better known as a sportscar specialist who had only a brief racing career. |
| Bernard de Dryver |
19 Sep 1952 Brussels |
|
B |
0 (1977-1978) |
Still in racing, but largely in historics now, after a long endurance career. He also runs a racing team in his native land.He has two sons in kart racing and Bernard himself has both property interests in Malta and restoring historic cars to occupy him when not racing. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Maria-Teresa De Filippis |
11 Nov 1926 Naples |
|
I |
3 (1958-1959) |
Still involved in historic events and administration. Lives in Bergamo. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Emmanuel de Graffenried |
18 May 1914 Paris, France |
22 Jan 2007 Lonay, nr.Lausanne |
CH |
22 (1950-1956) |
Toulo stayed directly involved with the sport, in sponsorship and PR until the 1980's and only retired in 2002 as the head of the Ancien Pilotes. He even drove a lap, aged 84, in 1998 to celebrate Silverstone's 50th birthday. His death meant there were no more starters of the very 1st GP in 1950. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Piet De Klerk |
16 Mar 1935 Pilgrim's Rest, Transvaal |
|
ZA |
4 (1963-1970) |
Retired from driving in the late '80's but still visits races. Now lives in the Transvaal. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Alfonso de Portago |
11 Oct 1928 Marylebone, London, England |
12 May 1957 Cavriana, Italy |
E |
5 (1956-1957) |
Spanish nobleman and extrovert killed in the Mille Miglia. Fon was from one of the oldest noble Spanish families, but although this gave him a extravgant, playboy outlook he was down-to-earth and full of fun. A true all-rounder and adventurer, he hunted, swam and played polo internationally, raced as a jockey in two Grand National's and formed and competed for Spain's 1956 Winter Olympic bobsleigh team! A real sportscar ace, he was also in the society pages and was romantically involved with actress Linda Christian. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Giovanni De Riu |
10 Mar 1925 Macomer, Nuoro |
11 Dec 2008 Stresa, Lake Maggiore |
I |
0 (1954) |
Died suddenly, but was still involved with the CSAI as a member of their technical committee right up to his death. (Last updated 3 May 2010) |
| Max De Terra |
06 Oct 1918 Zurich |
29 Dec 1982 Zollikon |
CH |
2 (1952-1953) |
Amateur racer who started in hillclimbs, the discipline in which he was most competitive. |
| Alejandro de Tomaso |
10 Jul 1928 Buenos Aires |
21 May 2003 Modena, Italy |
RA/I |
2 (1957-1959) |
Involved in F1 and road car projects for many years, a stroke in 1993 led to life in a wheelchair. He still retained a small role within the car industry until his death after a long illness in 2003. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Charles de Tornaco |
07 Jun 1927 Brussels |
18 Sep 1953 Modena Autodrome |
B |
2 (1952-1953) |
Belgian nobleman, son of Baron de Tornaco, who raced in the 1920's. Died in practice for the Modena GP. |
| Emilio de Villota |
26 Jul 1946 Madrid |
|
E |
2 (1976-1982) |
Still races, albeit now rarely, mostly in Spain, in support races. Lives in Madrid and both his children are now racing drivers in lower formulae. Emilio also runs a racing school and has a F3 team. Also does a bit of TV broadcasting. |
| Jean-Denis Deletraz |
01 Oct 1963 Geneva |
|
CH |
3 (1994-1995) |
Competitive in sportscars before and after F1, Jean-Denis initally announced his retirement at the end of the 2003 season, but soon reversed it, as in 2004, he signed up with Ferrari to race at Le Mans, Sebring and the LMES. No longer with Ferrari, but still racing in endurance racing, including GT's. Lives in Vessy, in the Geneva area. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Patrick Depailler |
09 Aug 1944 Clermont-Ferrand |
01 Aug 1980 Heidelberg, Germany |
F |
95 (1972-1980) |
Fierce but enthusiastic competitor killed in testing at Hockenheim in an Alfa Romeo. A likeable man with a ready smile, he loved trying out other forms of fast transport. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Billy Devore |
12 Sep 1910 St. John, Kansas |
12 Aug 1985 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
0 (1950-1954) |
Son of Earl Devore, pre-war Indianapolis star, who saved his son's life when the Vestris background. Real name was Louis. A capable and verstatile racer, he raced for over 20 years, mainly in sprints. Also rode broncos like his father. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Lucas Di Grassi |
11 Aug 1984 Sao Paulo |
|
BR |
9 (2010- ) |
New GP driver for the new Virgin GP team. Spent a long time in GP2, becoming one of the series best drivers. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Pedro Paulo Diniz |
22 May 1970 Sao Paulo |
|
BR |
98 (1995-2000) |
Now retired as a driver, he was involved in Prost's management for a while. Now involved with his family supermarket firm and other businesses and also runs the Brazilian Formula Renault series, as well as organising other Renault based events in South America. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) |
| Duke Dinsmore |
10 Apr 1913 Williamstown, West Virginia |
12 Oct 1985 Daytona Beach, Florida |
USA |
4 (1950-1960) |
Real name was spelt Dinsmoor. Had a long career in the sport, spreading nearly 4 decades. |
| Frank J Dochnal |
08 Oct 1920 St. Louis, Missouri |
07 Jul 2010 St Louis, Missouri |
USA |
0 (1963) |
Died recently in Missouri. Despite being an octogenarian, he kept himself busy, working with cars. Worked for a long time as a mechanic at Indianapolis, before becoming a research development machinist for famous recluse Howard Hughes. He then became a technicial official for USAC, which qualified him for the Indy Old Timers Club, in which he was involved up to his mid-80's. (Last updated 7 Jul 2010) |
| Jose Dolhem |
26 Apr 1944 Paris |
16 Apr 1988 nr. St. Etienne |
F |
1 (1974) |
Killed in a private plane crash. Didier Pironi's half-brother, he was qualified in engineering and economics. He was somewhat of a playboy racer with a varied, long but not particularly stellar career. |
| Martin Donnelly |
26 Mar 1964 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
|
GB |
13 (1989-1990) |
After suffering grave injuries in the 1990 Spanish GP practice, he retired and became involved with the sport in junior single-seater formulae, running many successful teams. Still runs a junior racing team which is based in Norfolk, where Martin now lives and prepares his own cars. Still races occasionally, mostly in UK endurance events and is also now a driver development manager for Comtec's F.Renault and WS Renault team. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Mark Donohue |
18 Mar 1937 Summit, New Jersey |
19 Aug 1975 Graz, Austria |
USA |
14 (1971-1975) |
American racing legend who died of injuries from a crash in Austrian GP practice. Capable in both F1, US single-seaters and sportscars, he was one of the best all-rounders of his era. |
| Robert Doornbos |
23 Sep 1981 Rotterdam |
|
NL |
11 (2005-2006) |
Former test driver for Red Bull's F1 team, Robert moved to the CCWS in 2007, but the IRL merger saw him lose his seat. Has since raced in GT's, A1 GP and Formula Superleague (for AC Milan), as well as some other endurance and some tests for Red Bull again, before returning to the US and the IRL in 2009. Now back racing in Formula Superleague. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) |
| Ken Downing |
05 Dec 1917 Chesterton, Staffordshire |
03 May 2004 Monte Carlo, Monaco |
GB |
2 (1952) |
Emigrated to South Africa, but lived in Monaco for years. Father-in-law to Paddy McNally, Ken sadly died recently. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Bob Drake |
14 Dec 1919 San Francisco, California |
18 Apr 1990 Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California |
USA |
1 (1960) |
Was a restaurateur in Los Angeles briefly but best remembered in the area for his stunt driving and car preparation work for the movie industry, which he did for some time. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Paddy Driver |
13 May 1934 Johannesburg |
|
ZA |
1 (1963-1974) |
Ebullient fellow, excellent bike racer. Raced until the early 1990's on bikes and cars but now retired and active on the historic reunion scene in South Africa. Also still involved in the property business. |
| Piero Drogo |
08 Aug 1926 Vignale, Monferrato |
28 Apr 1973 nr. Bologna |
I |
1 (1960) |
Killed in a car accident. Started in South American road races, before moving to Italy and raced sportscars mainly. A mechanic, he later formed and ran his own sportscar team. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Lee Drollinger |
20 May 1927 Champaign, Illinois |
01 Mar 2006 Mahomet, Illinois |
USA |
0 (1960) |
Died recently, in his native Illinois. Lee was a regular backmarker in USAC events in the 1950's and early '60's. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Johnny Dumfries |
26 Apr 1958 Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland |
|
GB |
15 (1986) |
Now a businessman as well as the Marquis of Bute. His personal wealth is maybe greater than any former Grand Prix driver, with the exception of Bernie Ecclestone. In 2003, he made a shock return to racing, testing RN Motorsport's Le Mans 24 hours car and although he doesn't drive competitively any more, he stayed in touch running his annual historic motorsports festival on his land until 2005. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Len Duncan |
25 Jul 1911 New York City, New York |
01 Aug 1998 Lansdale, Pennsylvania |
USA |
1 (1954) |
Acted, during World War Two, as President Truman's chauffeur. |
| Teddy Duncan |
18 Nov 1912 New York City, New York |
22 Aug 1963 Miami, Florida |
USA |
0 (1950) |
Very successful midget driver, especially in Missouri and Illinois. Later moved to Florida, where he died, of a heart-attack, aged just 50. Real name Frederick. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Piero Dusio |
13 Oct 1899 Scurzolengo, Asti |
07 Nov 1975 Victoria, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
I |
0 (1952) |
Built the famous Cisitalia cars - involved in car building for much of his life. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |