Graham Whitehead, English race car driver (b. 1922)

Alfred Graham Whitehead (born on 15 April 1922, in Harrogate, England – passed away on 15 January 1981, in Lower Basildon, Berkshire) was a notable British racing driver whose career spanned an intriguing period of motorsports, marked by both personal tragedy and significant achievements in sports car endurance racing.

Early Career and Formula One Debut

Graham Whitehead's foray into motor racing began in 1951, where he initially campaigned an English Racing Automobiles (ERA) car. This specific vehicle belonged to his half-brother, Peter Whitehead, himself a distinguished racing driver who had competed in the Formula One World Championship.

His single appearance in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix occurred on 19 July 1952, at the British Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit. Driving a Formula Two specification Alta GP car, Graham Whitehead completed the race, finishing in 12th position. In this era, only the top finishers were awarded championship points, meaning he did not score any points from this outing. Despite this being his sole World Championship appearance, Whitehead was a more active participant in the numerous non-Championship Formula One races prevalent at the time, which provided valuable competitive experience outside of the official championship calendar.

Notable Achievements and the Tragic 1958 Season

Beyond single-seater racing, Graham Whitehead demonstrated considerable talent in sports car events. One of his most significant career highlights came in 1952, when he secured a remarkable second-place finish in the inaugural Goodwood Nine Hours race. He co-drove a Ferrari 225S Touring Barchetta with American racer Tom Cole, showcasing his versatility and skill in endurance events at one of Britain's most historic circuits.

The year 1958, however, brought a mix of triumph and profound tragedy for Graham Whitehead. Just weeks after achieving his career-best finish at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he finished an impressive second overall, his world was irrevocably altered. At Le Mans, he shared the celebrated Aston Martin DBR1/3 with legendary future Formula One World Champion Graham Hill, a testament to his calibre as an endurance driver and the formidable partnership they formed.

Tragically, shortly after their Le Mans success, while participating in the Tour de France Automobile – a gruelling endurance rally across France – Graham Whitehead was involved in a severe accident. He was co-driving a Jaguar XK150 with his half-brother Peter Whitehead at the wheel when the incident occurred. Peter Whitehead tragically succumbed to his injuries, a devastating loss to the racing community and to Graham personally. Despite the severity of the crash, Graham Whitehead fortunately escaped with no serious injuries.

Return to Racing and Retirement

Demonstrating immense resilience, Graham Whitehead returned to competitive racing after the profound personal tragedy of losing his brother. He continued to compete with high-performance machinery, including iconic cars such as various Aston Martin models and a Ferrari 250GT, participating in various sports car events. He eventually decided to step away from top-tier competitive motorsports at the close of the 1961 season, concluding a career marked by significant achievements and enduring challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graham Whitehead

Who was Alfred Graham Whitehead?
Alfred Graham Whitehead was a British racing driver active primarily in the 1950s. He is known for his single Formula One World Championship Grand Prix appearance and significant success in sports car racing, particularly his second-place finish at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What was Graham Whitehead's Formula One record?
Graham Whitehead participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, the 1952 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He finished 12th in an Alta, scoring no championship points. He also competed in several non-championship Formula One races.
What was his connection to Peter Whitehead?
Peter Whitehead was Graham Whitehead's half-brother, and also a prominent racing driver. Graham began his racing career driving Peter's ERA. Tragically, Peter was killed in a car accident during the 1958 Tour de France Automobile while Graham was his co-driver.
What was Graham Whitehead's best result at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Graham Whitehead achieved his best result at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958, where he finished second overall. He co-drove an Aston Martin DBR1/3 with Graham Hill.
When did Graham Whitehead retire from racing?
Graham Whitehead retired from competitive racing at the end of the 1961 season, after a career that saw him compete in various sports car events with marques like Aston Martin and Ferrari.