Douglas Hawkes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Douglas Hawkes
Hawkes, circa 1920
Born	Wallace Douglas Hawkes (1893-09-11)11 September 1893 Barton, Gloucestershire, England
Died	2 August 1974(1974-08-02) (aged 80) Athens, Attica, Greece
Champ Car career
2 races run over 2 years
First race	1922 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race	1926 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years	1928–1929
Teams	Lagonda, S.A.R.A.
Best finish	11th (1928)
Class wins	0

Wallace Douglas Hawkes (born September 11, 1893 – died August 2, 1974) was a talented British person. He was a car designer, a businessman, and a professional racing driver. Douglas Hawkes was born in Barton, Gloucestershire, England. He passed away in Athens, Greece, when he was 80 years old. In 1937, he married another famous racing driver, Gwenda Stewart.

Douglas Hawkes' Racing Career

Douglas Hawkes was known for competing in some of the world's most famous car races. He took part in the Indianapolis 500 in the United States. He also raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. These races are very challenging and test both drivers and their cars.

Racing in the Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 is a very famous car race held in the United States. It is known for its high speeds and long distance. Douglas Hawkes raced in this event twice during his career.

In 1922, he finished 13th, completing all 200 laps of the race. Four years later, in 1926, he had to stop early. This was because of a problem with his car's engine. He did not win either of these races.

Racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a legendary endurance race. It takes place in France and lasts for a full day and night. Drivers race in teams, taking turns behind the wheel. Douglas Hawkes competed in this tough race two times.

Year	Team	Co-Driver	Car	Class	Laps	Overall Position	Class Position
1928	Lagonda Motor Company	Baron André d'Erlanger	Lagonda 2 Litre Speed Model	2.0	126	11th	2nd
1929	Société des Applications à Refroidissements par Air	Gaston Mottet	S.A.R.A. SP7	2.0	22	Did Not Finish	Did Not Finish

In 1928, he had a great result. His team finished 11th overall. More impressively, they came in 2nd place in their specific car class. This was a fantastic achievement in such a long race. In 1929, his race ended early. His car had to stop before the 24 hours were over.

Images for kids

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  Hawkes, circa 1920