Paul Warwick (racing driver) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paul Warwick |
|
|---|---|
| Nationality |  British |
| Born | 29 January 1969 Alresford, Hampshire |
| Died | 21 July 1991 (aged 22) Oulton Park, Cheshire |
| Related to | Derek Warwick (brother) |
| British Formula 3000 | |
| Years active | 1991 |
| Teams | Madgwick Motorsport |
| Starts | 5 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Poles | 5 |
| Fastest laps | 4 |
| Best finish | 1st in 1991 |
| Previous series | |
| 1990 1988–1990 1987 1987 |
International Formula 3000 British Formula Three European Formula Ford 2000 British Formula Ford 2000 |
| Championship titles | |
| 1991 | British Formula 3000 |
Paul Jason Warwick (born January 29, 1969 – died July 21, 1991) was a talented British racing driver. He was known for his speed and skill on the track. Paul was the younger brother of another famous racing driver, Derek Warwick.
Contents
Paul Warwick's Racing Journey
Paul Warwick was born in Alresford, Hampshire. He started racing very young, at just 12 years old, in British stock car racing in 1981. He drove small cars called Ministox. By 1984, when he was 15, he moved up to Superstox. He raced against many older and more experienced drivers. Paul's brother, Derek, was also a champion in this type of racing. Paul became a National Champion in 1984 and a British Champion in 1985.
Early Success in Formula Racing
In 1986, Paul moved to Formula Ford 1600 racing. This was his first season in open-wheel cars. He won eight out of 12 races and took home two championship titles. This showed everyone how talented he was. In 1987, he moved up to Formula Ford 2000. He finished second in the Euroseries, right behind JJ Lehto, who later became a Grand Prix driver.
Moving Up to Formula 3 and 3000
Paul spent three seasons in British Formula 3 from 1988 to 1990. He raced for different teams, including Eddie Jordan Racing. Even though he was expected to win a championship, he didn't quite reach that goal. During 1990, he also started racing in some International Formula 3000 events. This was a step up in power and speed. He adapted well to the faster cars, even though his car wasn't the best.
Championship Win and Tragic Accident
In 1991, Paul joined Nigel Mansell's Mansell Madgwick British Formula 2 racing team. He had an amazing start to the season. He won all five of the first races. He also earned five pole positions (meaning he started first in every race) and set the fastest lap four times.
Sadly, during the fifth race of the season at Oulton Park in Cheshire, Paul was in a serious accident. He was leading the race when it happened. His car left the track at a corner called Knickerbrook and hit a safety barrier. Investigations later found that a part of the car's front suspension broke, causing the crash. Because he was leading the race when the accident happened, he was still awarded the win. Paul had earned so many points from his wins that he was named the champion of the 1991 British Formula 3000 championship, even after his death.
Awards and Tributes
After Paul's death, people wanted to remember his talent and contributions to racing.
Paul Warwick Memorial Trophy
In 1991, a special award was created in his honor. The Autosport magazine renamed their National Driver of the Year award to the Paul Warwick Memorial Trophy. This award is given to the best young British racing driver each season.
Oulton Park Memorials
The main entrance bridge at Oulton Park, the circuit where he had his accident, is named in his memory. Also, the Knickerbrook corner, where the crash happened, was made slower and safer by adding a chicane (a series of tight turns). These changes help make the track safer for other drivers.
