The World Championship drivers — Where are they now?
by Richard Jenkins
Sections
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, Roscoe H Rann and Barry Lake.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Raby | 22 Sep 1921 Woolwich, London |
07 Nov 1967 Lambeth, London |
GB | 3 (1963-1965) |
Died in hospital of injuries sustained in a F2 crash at Zandvoort. Experienced racer, he did well in hillclimbs and national events. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| Bobby Rahal | 10 Jan 1953 Medina, Ohio |
USA | 2 (1978) |
Returned to his Champ Car team and CART administration after a brief and throroughly miserable time as head of the Ford side of the Jaguar F1 project. In 2004, he followed Adrian Fernandez in switching his team from CART to IRL, and he now also has an ALMS team. Also now very frequently appears at historic events, and is now also the co-owner and competition director of US based Legends of Motorsport Series, in which he also drives. (Last updated 21 Nov 2012) | |
| Kimi Raikkonen | 17 Oct 1979 Espoo |
SF | 176 (2001- ) |
World Champion in 2007, he left F1 to go and compete in World Championship rallying, after numerous attempts at rallies in Finland. In 2011, he also appeared in NASCAR, but in 2012, he returned to F1 with the Lotus team and stays with them in 2013. (Last updated 13 May 2013) | |
| Roscoe Rann | 03 Feb 1917 Dallas, Texas |
08 Mar 1976 Dallas, Texas |
USA | 0 (1951) |
Raced mostly in stock, sprint and midget cars. Died after a fight with pancreatic cancer. Read Roscoe Rann's biography for more photos from his racing period, most of which Roscoe took himself. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) |
| Pierre-Henri Raphanel | 27 May 1961 Algiers, Algeria |
F | 1 (1988-1989) |
Now works for Bugatti as a test driver and agent. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Dick Rathmann | 06 Jan 1926 Los Angeles, California |
01 Feb 2000 Melbourne, Florida |
USA | 5 (1950-1960) |
Dick retired from racing in the 1960's and moved to Melbourne to join up with his brother Jim and his sibling's hugely successful Chevrolet business in some form or another until his death in 2000. |
| Jim Rathmann | 16 Jul 1928 Los Angeles, California |
23 Nov 2011 Melbourne, Florida |
USA | 10 (1950-1960) |
For many years, Jim was a successful and well known car dealer in Florida. He became linked with the Apollo missions in the 60's and 70's, for virtually all the astronauts bought cars from him. Also produced exhausts and go karts. Died after a short period of ill-health and a seizure brought on by this - his death meant that all surviving starters of all Indy 500 races up to 1954 had passed away. (Last updated 24 Nov 2011) |
| Roland Ratzenberger | 04 Jul 1960 Salzburg |
30 Apr 1994 Bologna, Italy |
A | 1 (1994) |
Killed in the qualifying for the San Marino GP. A charming, enthusiastic chap, he worked extremely hard to make F1, with a long career in Japan and sportscars. He also worked in the media. The grief at his death was shown by Ayrton Senna having an Austrian flag in his cockpit to unveil should he have finished on the podium a day later. |
| Hector Rebaque | 05 Feb 1956 Mexico City |
MEX | 42 (1977-1981) |
Now a businessman and involved in architecture. Retired from driving in CART in 1985, but made a recent and rare appearance at a CART event in 2002, at Elkhart Lake, to mark the 20th anniversary of his only CART win. Lives in Cuauhtemoc. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Brian Redman | 09 Mar 1937 Colne, Lancashire |
GB | 12 (1968-1974) |
Now runs International Events, a motorsports marketing company. Redman is a historic racer and promoter and involved with the Redman-Bright team that raced in F3000. As well as running and teaching at driving schools, he is also an editor for Road and Track magazine. Now lives in Florida. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Jimmy Reece | 17 Nov 1929 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
28 Sep 1958 Trenton, New Jersey |
USA | 6 (1952-1958) |
Killed in a Champ Car race at Trenton. 6 times veteran of the Indianapolis 500, he was technically gifted. Fast but crash-prone driver. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Alan Rees | 12 Jan 1938 Llangstone, Monmouthshire, Wales |
GB | 3 (1966-1967) |
Team manager of Shadow and Arrows, as well as being a founder of March. Now retired and living in Wales. His son is involved in the sport, racing in F2 in 2010. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Dickie Reese | 04 May 1925 Fresno, California |
USA | 0 (1956) |
Still alive, but is now suffering from dementia. Until the onset of his illness, he visited a few historic festivals in the last few years. He, after racing, later ran a string of muffler shops and manufacturing businesses, amongst other interests. Lives in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Last updated 3 Apr 2013) | |
| Clay Regazzoni | 05 Sep 1939 Mendrisio, nr. Lugano |
15 Dec 2006 Fontevivo, nr. Parma, Italy |
CH | 132 (1970-1980) |
Paralysed in a 1980 accident at Long Beach, he raced on, with specially adapted cars. Most of his time was spent on developing hand control systems for these cars. He also made numerous appearances to as many motor sport events as he could, as well as being a commentator, and Clay was a very popular and inspirational man. It was with much sadness in the motorsport world, therefore, when he was killed in a car crash in Italy in 2006. Clay was on his way to a historic festival at the time. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| Gordon Reid | 11 Aug 1923 Portland, Oregon |
20 Apr 1952 Dayton, Ohio |
USA | 0 (1951) |
Killed in a sprintcar crash. Based for a large part in California, he mainly drove in midgets and roadsters. |
| Carlos Reutemann | 12 Apr 1942 Santa Fe |
RA | 146 (1972-1982) |
Is now a prominent and long-serving politician in Argentina, based in his native Santa Fe. Still heavily involved with motorsport in his home country though, and was heavily involved in nearly getting Jose Maria Lopez a F1 drive in 2010. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Lance Reventlow | 24 Feb 1936 Paddington, London, England |
24 Jul 1972 in the Rocky Mountains, near Lenado, Colorado |
USA | 1 (1960) |
One time husband of Jill St. John and step-son of Cary Grant, Lance, heir to the Woolworth fortune, died in a plane accident. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Peter Revson | 27 Feb 1939 New York City, New York |
22 Mar 1974 Kyalami Circuit, South Africa |
USA | 30 (1964-1974) |
A family member of the Revlon Empire, he was killed in a testing crash prior to the South African GP. (Last updated 31 Dec 2012) |
| John Rhodes | 18 Aug 1927 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire |
GB | 1 (1965) |
Still involved in the Mini club racing scene, where he's held in the highest regard - he used to drive, until a huge crash in 2006 meant retirement. Sadly, the crash also cost him the sight in one eye, but he is making a recovery, and is using the time to write a book about his life, whilst vowing to continue making appearances at historic festivals (including the Goodwood Revival in 2008). John also likes to restore classic cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Alex Dias Ribeiro | 07 Nov 1948 Belo Horizonte |
BR | 10 (1976-1979) |
Drove the Mercedes circuit Safety Car at the Brazillian GP, after years performing this potentially lifesaving role. A former long-time touring car driver in his homeland, he is now head of a major Christian support group for sportsmen and women. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Daniel Ricciardo | 01 Jul 1989 Perth |
AUS | 32 (2011- ) |
Highly rated young driver, now with Toro Rosso after a spell with HRT. Has raced in Asia, Australia and in Europe, including British F3. (Last updated 13 May 2013) | |
| Ken Richardson | 21 Aug 1911 Bourne, Lincolnshire |
27 Jun 1997 Bourne, Lincolnshire |
GB | 0 (1951) |
An engineer, Ken raced on until the late 1960's and spent a lot of time travelling to America, but passed away at his home of near 90 years, Bourne, Lincolnshire. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Fritz Riess | 11 Jul 1922 Nuremberg |
15 May 1991 Samedan, Switzerland |
D | 1 (1952) |
Was a very good sportscar driver, winning Le Mans in 1952. Continued racing until 1957. Died after a period of ill-health. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jim Rigsby | 06 Jun 1923 Spadry, Arkansas |
31 Aug 1952 Dayton, Ohio |
USA | 1 (1952) |
Killed in a horrible crash during a sprint car race at Dayton. A commercial lobster fisherman, he was an excellent sprint car driver. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jochen Rindt | 18 Apr 1942 Mainz-am-Rhein, Germany |
05 Sep 1970 Milan, Italy |
A | 60 (1964-1970) |
Killed in qualifying for the Italian GP. Later pronounced the posthumous World Champion. A fast and spectacular driver, he was quite brilliant in F2. Sometimes quite a complicated character, he often won races despite having inferior machinery. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| John Riseley-Prichard | 17 Jan 1924 Hereford |
08 Jul 1993 Baan Kai Thuan, Thailand |
GB | 1 (1954) |
Lloyd's insurance broker who ran into trouble with British and international law over his porn and paedophile links. Moved to Thailand to escape trial, but suffered from ill-health for a long while before dying of AIDS in Thailand. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Richard Robarts | 22 Sep 1944 Bicknacre, nr. Chelmsford, Essex |
GB | 3 (1974) |
Now lives in Essex, where he is involved in the car and coach-building business. Take part in trials and builds his own cars to compete in. Also used to be a farmer. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Hal Robson | 16 Aug 1911 Mount Dennis, Ontario |
02 Jul 1996 San Bernardino, California, USA |
USA | 0 (1953) |
Brother of 1946 winner, George. Born in Canada, but lived a long time in the USA and was a citizen by the time he appeared at Indianapolis. Mainly raced dirt and midget cars. He continued to keep links withe sport and attend events right up to the early '90's. (Last updated 13 Sep 2012) |
| Chuck Rodee | 08 Sep 1927 Dixmoore, Illinois |
14 May 1966 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 0 (1959-1960) |
Killed in qualifying for the Indy 500. Real name Charles Rodeghier. Raced mainly in midgets, but his career was littered with a number of crashes. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Pedro Rodriguez | 18 Jan 1940 Mexico City |
11 Jul 1971 Norisring Circuit, Germany |
MEX | 55 (1963-1971) |
Fine driver killed in a sportscar crash, whilst at the peak of his career. Elder brother of Ricardo, Pedro, a very religious man, was a true great of wet-weather racing. Loved racing with a passion, and had particularly strong success in sportscars. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| Ricardo Rodriguez | 14 Feb 1942 Mexico City |
01 Nov 1962 Mexico City |
MEX | 5 (1961-1962) |
Colossal talent killed in a non-championship Mexican GP whilst at the limit in qualifying. |
| Alberto Rodriguez Larreta | 14 Jan 1934 Buenos Aires |
11 Mar 1977 Buenos Aires |
RA | 1 (1960) |
Later turned to the world of business, before his sudden death from a heart-attack. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Franco Rol | 05 Jun 1908 Turin |
18 Jun 1977 Rapallo |
I | 5 (1950-1952) |
Italian aristocrat and gentleman racer who raced wearing silk shirts rather than overalls! Rol achieved his best results in sportscars. |
| Alan Rollinson | 15 May 1943 Walsall, Staffordshire |
GB | 0 (1965) |
Still alive, living in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. Decent F5000 driver who also raced in sportscars. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Tony Rolt | 16 Oct 1918 Bordon, Hampshire |
06 Feb 2008 Warwick, Warwickshire |
GB | 3 (1950-1955) |
Died recently after a spell of ill-health. A war hero, Major Rolt MC maintained a long connection with the sport, albeit behind the scenes. The Ferguson 4WD project he was involved in paid off with spectacular results, and he was involved in other engineering projects. At his death, he was the last surviving driver of the very first Grand Prix of 1950. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Bertil Roos | 12 Oct 1943 Gothenburg |
S | 1 (1974) |
Formed a successful drivers school in America (but no longer involved with it) and also designed and built a successful training racing car. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Pedro de la Rosa | 24 Feb 1971 Barcelona |
E | 102 (1999-2012) |
Longtime McLaren reserve driver, with a few spells in as a substitute, Pedro has made a few returns in recent years, including with Sauber. At the rather incredible age, in modern F1 terms, of 41, he returned to Formula 1 full-time with HRT. However, when the team disbanded in 2012, he went back to a testing role, still in F1, with Ferrari. (Last updated 18 Jan 2013) | |
| Keke Rosberg | 06 Dec 1948 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden |
SF | 114 (1978-1986) |
1982 World Champion who retired from racing fully in 1995. Became a successful driver manager to Panis and Hakkinen amongst others. Also runs a number of teams, including lower formulae teams. Has been a huge help in getting Nico into F1 and now supports his son's exciting career. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Nico Rosberg | 27 Jun 1985 Wiesbaden |
D | 128 (2006- ) |
Son of Keke, GP2 champion in 2005. With the Mercedes team in F1. (Last updated 13 May 2013) | |
| Bud Rose | 07 May 1914 Los Angeles, California |
11 Dec 1991 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 0 (1950) |
Also raced under his real name, Harry Eisele. Popular man, who also worked as a mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jesse Rose | 27 Feb 1925 Huntsville, Texas |
27 Aug 2007 Houston, Texas |
USA | 0 (1960) |
Was a longtime truck operator in Houston, Texas. Raced under the name of 'Ebb', his middle name. Continued to visit historic events and reunions until his death. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Mauri Rose | 26 May 1906 Columbus, Ohio |
01 Jan 1981 Royal Oak, Michigan |
USA | 2 (1950-1951) |
An all-time great, Rose moved to California after retirement in 1951. Not only did he make many reunions, but he also continued to drive on occasions. He kept up a long engineering linkup with General Motors, becoming a major force behind Chevrolet's success and also found time to do some racing tutelage. |
| Louis Rosier | 05 Nov 1905 Chapdes-Beaufort, nr. Clermont-Ferrand |
29 Oct 1956 Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris |
F | 38 (1950-1956) |
Legendary French racer killed in the race of the Coupe de Salon at Montlhery. Although he never won in F1, he took numerous non-championship wins between 1949-1952. He was also a member of the French Resistance during World War 2. |
| Ricardo Rosset | 27 Jul 1968 Sao Paulo |
BR | 27 (1996-1998) |
Runs his clothing business in Sao Paulo. For many years, he stayed away from racing but recently has returned to the sport and GT's in Brazil, in which he continues, in 2013. (Last updated 6 Apr 2013) | |
| Huub Rothengatter | 08 Oct 1954 Bussum, nr. Hilversum |
NL | 25 (1984-1986) |
Was manager for Jos Verstappen. Also works as a event manager and helps advise some young Dutch drivers but is largely no longer involved with the sport, and now runs a large electric car charging station business, EV Box. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Jack Rounds | 02 Dec 1930 Huntington Park, California |
21 May 1998 Hyde Park, Utah |
USA | 0 (1960) |
Also did sky-diving after his racing career! Also was a qualified pilot. Often raced in sprint cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Lloyd Ruby | 12 Jan 1928 Wichita Falls, Texas |
23 Mar 2009 Wichita Falls, Texas |
USA | 2 (1961) |
Died recently after many years battling ill health. Until then he attended the odd historic meeting to keep in touch with the sport and even raced again, aged 75, in the Heroes of Indy race in Texas. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jean-Claude Rudaz | 23 Jul 1942 Vex, Valais |
CH | 0 (1964) |
Ran an aviation company, called Transvalair. Also keeps links with the sport, as he often appears (and very occasionally competes) at historics. Quit competitive racing in 1965 after an accident put him off and hit his financial backing. Later became a pilot for Asiana. Lives in Sion, and also builds models of every plane he ever flew. (Last updated 18 Aug 2011) | |
| Eddie Russo | 19 Nov 1925 Chicago, Illinois |
14 Oct 2012 King, Wisconsin |
USA | 3 (1954-1960) |
Nephew of Paul and son of former Indy racer, Joe, Russo died in 2012, after many years of ill-health. After racing, he later became a midget team owner. Fought in both World War 2 and Korea. (Last updated 31 Oct 2012) |
| Paul Russo | 10 Apr 1914 Kenosha, Wisconsin |
13 Feb 1976 Daytona Beach, Florida |
USA | 8 (1950-1959) |
Decent, fast but often unlucky driver. Later worked as an accessory rep at Indianapolis. Died whilst visiting the Daytona 500 race. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Troy Ruttman | 11 Mar 1930 Mooreland, Oklahoma |
19 May 1997 Lake Havasu City, Arizona |
USA | 8 (1950-1960) |
Retired in 1964 and stayed away from the sport. Battled drink and gambling addictions before dying from cancer. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Peter Ryan | 10 Jun 1940 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
02 Jul 1962 Paris, France |
CDN | 1 (1961) |
Huge talent killed in a Junior race in France. One of the sport's great lost talents, he had already won the 1961 Canadian GP and numerous sportscar events by the time of his early death. |
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