Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Brian Roger Hart, born on 7 September 1936 in Enfield, London, embarked on his racing journey in 1958 with a Lotus VI in the 1172 championship. The following year, Hart teamed up with Len Terry to drive the Terrier Mk2 in the championship, winning the Chapman Trophy. His early career was marked by innovation and resilience; in 1960, after a severe crash at Oulton Park, he continued racing with the newly designed Terrier Mk4. Hart’s early years in racing were characterized by his involvement in various single-seater formulae, including Formula Junior and Formula Three. He eventually graduated to Formula Two, joining the works Lotus Formula Two team run by Ron Harris.
Major Successes and Highlights
Brian Hart’s racing career was diverse and impactful. He competed in a handful of non-championship Formula One races using Formula Two cars. His most notable Formula One appearance was at the 1967 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where he qualified in a Protos-Cosworth. Although Hart’s time as a professional racing driver was relatively brief, his contributions to the sport were significant. He enjoyed success in various racing formats, demonstrating his versatility and skill as a driver. Hart’s transition from a driver to an engineer marked a new chapter in his career, where his impact would be felt even more profoundly in the world of motorsport.
Life and Legacy
After retiring from racing in 1971, Brian Hart shifted his focus to engineering, leveraging his experience in the aviation industry. He began working at the de Havilland aircraft company, gaining valuable knowledge in airframe and aero engine design and construction. Hart’s engineering prowess led him to form Brian Hart Limited, a company specializing in developing and building engines for motorsport use. His contributions to engine development, particularly in Formula Two and Formula One, were significant. Hart’s legacy in motorsport is not only defined by his time behind the wheel but also by his technical innovations and contributions to engine development, which have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Ron Harris | Protos (F2) | Ford Straight-4 | NC | 0 |