Walter Hayes

[Gerard]

From Reuters:

Walter Hayes, the founder of the legendary Cosworth DFV Formula One engine, died on Tuesday after a long illness at the age of 76.

Hayes worked for the Ford Motor Company for more than 20 years after joining them back in 1962, and he was in charge of many racing projects during the sixties and seventies.

However, Hayes will be remembered for giving the green light to the most successful engine in the history of the sport, the 3-litre Cosworth DFV introduced in 1967, which achieved 154 Grand Prix wins.

Hayes, who was the Chairman of Aston Martin during the 80s, also played a key role in the development of the Ford GT40, the sportscar that took Ford to the winner's circle at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The news comes just two days after the death of legendary car builder John Cooper.

[TimD]

That's really sad news. Walter Hayes is one of those people whose contribution is so easily missed, both by the driver fans and by the tech enthusiasts.

And yet without him - no GT40. He was a prime mover in the scheme which plotted "if Ford can't buy Ferrari - we'd better beat them instead".

There's a lovely interview with him on the BBC "Power and the Glory" tape. It is immediately apparent that there is a racer's dedication lurking right beneath the surface of this placid man.

Rest in peace, Walter Hayes. You will be missed and appreciated for a long time yet.