Graham Whitehead facts for kids
| Born | 15 April 1922 | ||||||||||
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| Died | 15 January 1981 (aged 58) | ||||||||||
| Formula One World Championship career | |||||||||||
| Nationality |  British |
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| Active years | 1952 | ||||||||||
| Teams | Privateer Alta | ||||||||||
| Entries | 1 | ||||||||||
| Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| Wins | 0 | ||||||||||
| Podiums | 0 | ||||||||||
| Career points | 0 | ||||||||||
| Pole positions | 0 | ||||||||||
| Fastest laps | 0 | ||||||||||
| First entry | 1952 British Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last entry | 1952 British Grand Prix | ||||||||||
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Alfred Graham Whitehead (born in Harrogate, England, on April 15, 1922 – died in Lower Basildon, Berkshire, on January 15, 1981) was a British racing driver. He was known for his skill in sports car races and even competed in one Formula One Grand Prix.
Graham Whitehead started his racing journey in 1951. He often raced alongside his half-brother, Peter Whitehead, who was also a famous driver. Graham drove different types of cars, including an ERA and an Alta. He continued racing until the end of 1961.
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Graham Whitehead: A Racing Driver's Story
Graham Whitehead was a talented British racing driver. He competed in many exciting races during the 1950s and early 1960s. He was especially good at long-distance sports car races.
Early Days and First Races
Graham began his racing career in 1951. He first drove an ERA car, which belonged to his half-brother, Peter. In his early races, he showed great promise. For example, he finished second in the WHDCC Trophy in 1951. He also earned third place in the BRDC International Trophy and the Kenning Trophy that same year.
In 1952, Graham finished second in the first-ever Goodwood Nine Hours race. He shared the driving with American racer Tom Cole in a Ferrari 225 S. This showed his ability to perform well in endurance events.
Racing in Formula One
Graham Whitehead took part in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. This was the 1952 British Grand Prix, held on July 19, 1952. He drove an Alta F2 car. He finished the race in 12th place. Even though he completed the race, he did not score any championship points. He also raced in several other Formula One races that were not part of the championship.
Success at Le Mans
One of Graham Whitehead's most famous achievements was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This is a very tough endurance race held in France. In 1958, he finished an amazing second place at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans. He drove an Aston Martin DB3S with his half-brother, Peter Whitehead. This was a fantastic result for the team.
Graham competed in the Le Mans race several times between 1953 and 1960. While he had some tough luck with accidents or mechanical issues in other years, his 1958 podium finish was a highlight.
Other Racing Adventures
Graham Whitehead competed in many other important races. He often drove powerful sports cars like Aston Martins and Ferraris. In 1956, he finished third in the Grand Prix des Frontières, driving an Aston Martin DB3S.
In 1958, he won the Whitsun Trophy race in a Lister-Jaguar. He also secured second place at the Eläintarhanajo race in an Aston Martin DB3S. In 1960, he finished third in the Grande Prémio de Angola in a Ferrari 250 GT. His final years of racing in 1961 saw him achieve second place finishes in the Lombard Trophy and the Grand Prix de Spa (GT +2.0) in a Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
Graham Whitehead's career showed his dedication and skill as a racing driver. He faced many challenges but always pushed himself to achieve great results.
Career Highlights
Here are some of Graham Whitehead's best results in major races:
- 1951: Second place in the WHDCC Trophy.
- 1951: Third place in the BRDC International Trophy.
- 1952: Second place in the Goodwood Nine Hours.
- 1956: Third place in the Grand Prix des Frontières.
- 1958: First place in the Whitsun Trophy.
- 1958: Second place in the Eläintarhanajo.
- 1958: Second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- 1959: Third place in the Eläintarhanajo.
- 1960: Third place in the Eläintarhanajo.
- 1960: Third place in the Grande Prémio de Angola.
- 1961: Second place in the Lombard Trophy.
- 1961: Second place in the Grand Prix de Spa [GT +2.0].
