Raymond Mays, English race car driver and businessman (b. 1899)

Thomas Raymond Mays (1 August 1899 – 6 January 1980) was a towering figure in British motorsport, renowned both as an accomplished auto racing driver and a visionary entrepreneur. Hailing from Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, his profound impact extended beyond the racetrack, significantly shaping the landscape of British automotive engineering and competitive racing.

Early Life, Education, and Formative Influences

Mays's early education took place at Oundle School, a prestigious public school with a strong emphasis on practical and scientific disciplines. It was during his time at Oundle that he forged a pivotal connection with Amherst Villiers, a brilliant engineer who would become a significant collaborator and mentor. Villiers, celebrated for his innovative work on aircraft engines and later superchargers, undoubtedly influenced Mays's burgeoning passion for automotive performance and speed.

His academic journey was briefly interrupted by service during the First World War. Mays served with distinction in the Grenadier Guards in France, a demanding experience that instilled a profound sense of discipline and resilience. These qualities would prove invaluable in his later pursuits in the high-stakes world of motor racing and complex business ventures.

Following his military service, Mays resumed his education at Christ's College, Cambridge, one of the esteemed constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. It was during his undergraduate years that he truly began to showcase his exceptional racing talent, achieving his very first significant victory at the iconic Brooklands circuit. Brooklands, situated in Surrey, England, held immense historical significance as the world's first purpose-built motor racing track, opened in 1907. Mays's triumph at this pioneering venue marked the auspicious beginning of a legendary career that would span decades.

The Visionary Entrepreneur: Shaping British Motorsport

Beyond his skill as a driver, Raymond Mays's most enduring legacy stems from his relentless entrepreneurial drive and his unwavering commitment to establishing Britain as a global force in motor racing. He was the principal architect behind two of the most ambitious and patriotic British racing projects:

• English Racing Automobiles (ERA): Founded in 1933 in Bourne, Lincolnshire, ERA aimed to build British-designed and built racing cars capable of competing against the dominant continental marques in the popular Voiturette (lightweight racing car) class. ERA cars, particularly the highly successful R-type, quickly became synonymous with British motorsport prowess, achieving numerous victories and fostering a sense of national pride in pre-war racing.
• British Racing Motors (BRM): After World War II, Mays spearheaded the ambitious BRM project in 1947, again based in Bourne. The goal was to create a Grand Prix car that could challenge for the Formula One World Championship, a monumental undertaking that brought together leading British engineers and immense national expectation. While facing significant challenges in its early years, BRM eventually achieved considerable success, including winning the Constructors' Championship in 1962 and earning a Drivers' Championship for Graham Hill.

Mays's dedication ensured that Britain had its own world-class racing teams and engineering capabilities, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Raymond Mays

Where was Raymond Mays from?

Raymond Mays was from Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, a town that also became the base for his influential racing car manufacturing ventures, ERA and BRM.

What was Raymond Mays known for in motorsports?

Raymond Mays was known both as a successful auto racing driver, particularly for his early wins at Brooklands, and more significantly, as a visionary entrepreneur who founded two seminal British racing car manufacturers: English Racing Automobiles (ERA) and British Racing Motors (BRM).

What was the significance of Amherst Villiers to Raymond Mays?

Amherst Villiers was a brilliant engineer whom Mays met at Oundle School. Villiers' expertise, especially in superchargers, profoundly influenced Mays's understanding of automotive engineering and played a crucial role in the technical development of his racing projects, particularly ERA.

What was Brooklands' importance in Mays's career?

Brooklands, the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, was where Raymond Mays achieved his first significant racing victory as an undergraduate at Cambridge, marking the commencement of his illustrious driving career.