Tyrrell, Ken

[John Turner]

Born May 1924, died August 2001.

Better known as a Team Owner/Manager, Tyrrell had a short racing career between 1952 - 1958 in 500cc F3, before deciding that his management skills were better than his driving skills. However, he did achieve a few firsts and other high placings during this period.

Formed his own team in 1959 running Formula Junior cars for various drivers before graduating to F2 and F3 in 1964 with Jackie Stewart and Warwick Banks. Entered the world of F1 in 1968 with initially, mainly, Stewart, although Johnny Servoz-Gavin drove occasionally that year as well. Jean-Pierre Beltoise joined in 1969 when Stewart won the WDC. Francois Cevert joined in 1970 and Stewart won the WDC again, with Tyrrell in 1971 & 1973. At the end of 1973 Stewart retired and Tyrrell was devastated by the loss of Cevert, killed in one of his cars practicing for the USA GP. Cevert had been all set to take Stewart's place as Tyrrell no 1 driver. In the following 25 years, the Tyrrell team had only 7 more GP victories before it was purchased by BAT Industries in 1998 and became BAR-Honda for the 1999 season.

During the team's existence Tyrrell helped develop many drivers, virtually all of whom were treated by him and his wife, Nora, as members of his extended family. Famous for his occasional outbursts, known as 'froths', he was equally famous for getting over them very quickly. A man of great integrity, his treatment by the system in 1984, when fuel irregularities, led to all the points points earned (by Brundle and Bellof) being removed and after the Dutch GP the team was barred for the rest of the season, left a bitter taste.

Ken Tyrrell was a man who made a difference. His contribution to Grand Prix Racing should never be underestimated or forgotten.

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by John Turner

During the team's existence Tyrrell helped develop many drivers, virtually all of whom were treated by him and his wife, Nora, as members of his extended family. Famous for his occasional outbursts, known as 'froths', he was equally famous for getting over them very quickly. A man of great integrity, his treatment by the system in 1984, when fuel irregularities, led to all the points points earned (by Brundle and Bellof) being removed and after the Dutch GP the team was barred for the rest of the season, left a bitter taste.

Ken Tyrrell was a man who made a difference. His contribution to Grand Prix Racing should never be underestimated or forgotten.

Nice one John

In away, it's amazing that Tyrrell lasted so long in the Ecclestone era as he did. One of the old school with old school values. IMHO Tyrrell were used as a scapegoat in 84 as the others were probably cheating twice as much as Tyrrell but they was the easiest to put the blame on.

Ken used to chastise his drivers if they lost too much time when they were being lapped "Let the b****rs find their own way past" was his motto. Not a very PC thing to do at the moment!