Mike Wilds, English race car driver and pilot

William Michael Wilds, born on January 7, 1946, is a distinguished British racing driver from England, widely and affectionately known as 'The Honorific' Mike Wilds. His extensive career spans multiple disciplines of motorsport, showcasing remarkable versatility and enduring passion for racing, even well into his later years.

Early Career and Formula One Journey

Wilds' professional racing career began to gain momentum in the early 1970s. After achieving notable success with several race victories in Formula 3, a crucial stepping stone for aspiring F1 drivers, he progressed to the powerful Formula 5000 series. It was during this period that Wilds also ventured into the pinnacle of motorsport, the Formula One World Championship.

He participated in eight Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, making his debut on July 20, 1974, at the British Grand Prix. Despite his determined efforts, Wilds did not score any championship points during his brief stint in Formula One. This was not uncommon for drivers competing with privateer or less-funded teams against established manufacturers and top-tier talent. His F1 appearances included drives for various teams, initially with a non-works March, which meant he was competing with a customer chassis rather than a factory-backed entry, often with less development and support. He subsequently raced with the small British privateer team Ensign and the historic British Racing Motors (BRM), a team that, though once a giant in F1, was in decline during the mid-1970s.

His Formula One ambitions concluded after he famously failed to qualify at his home Grand Prix in 1976, driving a privately run Shadow DN3. This marked a turning point, as Wilds then strategically shifted his focus to other competitive forms of motor racing, including highly successful ventures in sports car racing and historic events, where his talents truly shone.

A Moment of Recognition: The 1974 United States Grand Prix

Despite his limited Formula One points, Wilds' brief F1 career provided memorable moments that underscored his skill. In an interview, he recounted a significant highlight from the 1974 United States Grand Prix. Following a qualifying session, Ken Tyrrell, the revered founder of the championship-winning Tyrrell F1 team, approached Wilds. Tyrrell informed him that Jody Scheckter, then a formidable and rising star in Formula One and Tyrrell's own driver, wanted to speak with him. Wilds, who had been on track just ahead of Scheckter during qualifying in his less competitive Ensign N174, initially assumed he was impeding the faster Tyrrell and bracing for a reprimand. However, to Wilds' surprise, Scheckter approached him to commend his exceptional control and handling of the antiquated Ensign N174, a testament to Wilds' raw driving talent and ability to extract performance from challenging machinery.

Success Beyond Formula One

Wilds' career truly flourished outside of Formula One, where he amassed numerous championship titles across various motorsport disciplines. His adaptability and skill allowed him to excel in diverse racing environments:

Endurance Racing and Le Mans

A significant part of Wilds' illustrious career was dedicated to endurance racing, particularly at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. He competed in this gruelling event an impressive eight times. His Le Mans participations included driving C2-class cars for the esteemed Ecurie Ecosse team, notably during their championship-winning year in the C2 World Championship in 1986. Furthermore, he competed in the prestigious Group C category for the factory Nissan team in 1988, sharing the cockpit with renowned British driver Win Percy, highlighting his status as a trusted and capable endurance driver for major manufacturers.

Enduring Legacy and Continued Involvement

Mike Wilds' competitive spirit has shown no signs of waning, with continued success and participation in motor racing well into the 21st century:

Beyond his celebrated motorsport career, Mike Wilds also leads a parallel professional life as an active commercial helicopter pilot and instructor, demonstrating a mastery of skills extending far beyond the race track. This diverse career path further underscores why he is so fittingly and affectionately known as 'The Honorific' Mike Wilds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Wilds

How many Formula One World Championship Grands Prix did Mike Wilds participate in?
Mike Wilds participated in eight Formula One World Championship Grands Prix.
Which Formula One teams did Mike Wilds race for?
He raced for a non-works March, Ensign, and BRM during his Formula One career.
Did Mike Wilds score any championship points in Formula One?
No, Mike Wilds did not score any championship points in Formula One.
How many times did Mike Wilds compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Mike Wilds competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.
Is Mike Wilds still involved in motor racing?
Yes, Mike Wilds still occasionally drives in events for historic cars and has continued to compete in series like Britcar Endurance and even made his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain at the age of 72.
What is Mike Wilds' other profession?
In addition to his racing career, Mike Wilds is an active commercial helicopter pilot and instructor.
What is Mike Wilds' nickname?
He is affectionately known as 'The Honorific' Mike Wilds.