RIP Tony Rolt

another old racing driver passes away

tony rolt died on wednesday at the age of 89, he won le mans in 1953 and until his passing was the only driver left from the first season of F1. he competed in 3 british grand prix failing to finish any, his le mans win was the highlight of his career.

Rip.

Not just a racing driver.

Tony Rolt fought in the defence of Calais against the advancing Germans in 1940, and after the war was awarded the military cross for his defensive actions which allowed soldiers to retreat to Dunkirk.

He was captured and ended up in Colditz castle where he was responsible for building the famous glider in the roof. It was never used, but was a vehicle for keeping morale up amongst men who had been imprisoned for most of the second world war.

He was also highly involved in the development of the Ferguson Formula four wheel drive racing cars with Harry Ferguson (of Fergy tractors fame)..later used on the Jensen FF luxury car..and of course spilling down to the Audi Quattro and beyond.(This made him pretty wealthy)

And he wasn't a bad driver either.

RIP to one of the cornerstones of Post War British Motor Sport

AlfaLincs

A true gent from the era of Gentleman Racing driver's, RIP.

R.i.p.