Peter Revson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peter Revson |
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Revson at the 1973 German Grand Prix
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| Born | February 27, 1939 New York City, U.S. |
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| Died | March 22, 1974 (aged 35) Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa |
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| Formula One World Championship career | |||||||
| Nationality |  American |
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| Active years | 1964, 1971–1974 | ||||||
| Teams | non-works Lotus, Tyrrell, McLaren, Shadow | ||||||
| Entries | 32 (30 starts) | ||||||
| Championships | 0 | ||||||
| Wins | 2 | ||||||
| Podiums | 8 | ||||||
| Career points | 61 | ||||||
| Pole positions | 1 | ||||||
| Fastest laps | 0 | ||||||
| First entry | 1964 Monaco Grand Prix | ||||||
| First win | 1973 British Grand Prix | ||||||
| Last win | 1973 Canadian Grand Prix | ||||||
| Last entry | 1974 Brazilian Grand Prix | ||||||
| Champ Car career | |||||||
| 17 races run over 8 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 12th (1971) | ||||||
| First race | 1966 Bobby Ball Memorial (Phoenix) | ||||||
| Last race | 1973 California 500 (Ontario) | ||||||
| First win | 1969 Indy 200 Heat 2 (IRP) | ||||||
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Peter Jeffrey Revson (born February 27, 1939 – died March 22, 1974) was a famous American race car driver. He was also part of the family that owned Revlon cosmetics. Peter was a champion in the Can-Am racing series in 1971. He also placed fifth in the Formula One World Championship in both 1972 and 1973.
Peter Revson and another driver named Dan Gurney were the only two people to win races in four different types of car racing. These were Formula One, Indy Car, Can-Am, and Trans-Am. Because he often sprayed champagne when he won, people called him "Champagne Peter".
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Who Was Peter Revson?
Peter Revson was born in New York City, USA. His father, Martin Revson, helped start the famous Revlon cosmetics company. Peter's full name, Peter Jeffrey Revlon Revson, even included a nod to the family business.
Peter was known for being handsome and a "free spirit." He chose a life of exciting competition and danger instead of an easy life. He raced in different car series, drove a large boat, and was engaged to Marjorie Wallace, who was Miss World in 1973.
Starting His Racing Journey
Peter Revson grew up in White Plains, New York. He went to different schools but never finished college. In 1960, while in Hawaii, he bought a Morgan car and started sports car racing. He came in second in his first race and won his next one!
His family stopped supporting him financially when he decided to race full-time. So, he used his savings and money saved for his education. In 1962, he raced in a series called Formula Junior.
Racing in Europe
In 1963, Peter used his remaining money, about $12,000, and moved to the United Kingdom. There, he bought a Formula Junior car and a van. He then traveled around Europe, racing and winning against future Formula One stars.
His talent caught the eye of Reg Parnell, a racing team owner. Peter was offered a spot on Parnell's Formula One team for 1964. Peter made his Formula One debut in an exhibition race in 1963.
In 1964, Peter raced with Reg Parnell Racing. However, the team faced problems like the sudden death of Reg Parnell and money issues. Their cars also did not perform well. Peter raced in four Formula One World Championship races that year. His best finish was 13th place.
Building His Reputation in the US
In 1965, Peter returned to the United States to race. He focused on sports car racing, including the Can-Am and Trans-Am Series. This helped him become known as a very skilled driver.
He also raced in American open-wheel car racing. In 1969, he qualified for the 1969 Indianapolis 500 in 33rd place. Even though his car was not very powerful, he finished in an impressive 5th place! Later that year, he won his first Champ Car race.
His success led to an invitation to race for the McLaren team at the 1970 Indianapolis 500. He qualified 16th but had to stop early due to mechanical problems. In the same year, he raced with actor Steve McQueen in the 12 Hours of Sebring race. They finished second overall.
A Breakthrough Year: 1971
The year 1971 was a huge success for Peter Revson.
- At the 1971 Indianapolis 500, he started in the pole position (first place) and finished the race in second place.
- As part of the McLaren team, he won the 1971 Can-Am season championship. He won five races and had three other top-three finishes.
His great performance in 1971 earned him a chance to race in Formula One again. He joined the Tyrrell Racing team for the last race of the 1971 season.
Formula One Career Highlights
Peter's success in 1971 led to an offer from the McLaren Formula One team for 1972. This team was led by his long-time friend, Teddy Mayer. Peter raced for McLaren in Indy Car, Can-Am, and Formula One.
Racing with McLaren
In the 1972 Formula One season, Peter finished 5th in the Driver's World Championship. He helped McLaren finish 3rd in the team championship. He raced in 9 out of 12 races and finished on the podium (top three) four times. His best finish was second place at the 1972 Canadian Grand Prix.
In 1973, Peter won two Formula One races with his McLaren car. He won the 1973 British Grand Prix and the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix. He also had two other podium finishes. Despite his success, McLaren decided to hire another driver for the 1974 season.
Racing for Shadow
For the 1974 Formula One season, Peter Revson joined the Shadow Racing Cars team. He raced their new Shadow DN3 car. He had to retire from the first race after an accident and from the second race due to engine problems.
Peter Revson's Death
Sadly, Peter Revson was killed during a test session on March 22, 1974. This happened before the 1974 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami. His Shadow DN3 car had a problem with its front suspension. It crashed hard into a safety barrier.
The car caught fire, and even though safety workers and other drivers quickly pulled Peter from the wreckage, he had already passed away.
Tony Southgate, who designed the Shadow DN3 car, spoke about the accident. He said that a part made of titanium had failed. This part was new at the time and needed to be made very smoothly. The car went under the barrier, reaching the cockpit. Tony felt responsible for the accident.
Peter's death was especially tragic because his younger brother, Douglas, had also died in a racing crash in Denmark in 1967. Peter and Douglas Revson are buried together in New York.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Revson was honored for his racing achievements. In 1996, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in the sports car category.
Images for kids
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The McLaren Revson drove in the 1972 Indianapolis 500
See also
In Spanish: Peter Revson para niños
