Tony Brise facts for kids

Anthony William Brise (born March 28, 1952 – died November 29, 1975) was a talented English racing driver. He competed in ten Formula One races in 1975. Sadly, he passed away in a plane crash with fellow driver Graham Hill.

Tony Brise's Early Life

Tony Brise was born in Erith, Kent, England. His father, John Brise, was a pig farmer and also a racing driver. John Brise even won the World Stock Car Championship three times.

Both Tony and his brother Tim loved go-karting from a young age. Their father, John, stopped his own racing to fully support his sons.

Starting His Racing Career

Tony Brise won his first UK championship in 1969. The next year, he started racing single-seater cars. He drove an Elden MK8 in Formula Ford races. In 1971, he finished second in the BOC British FF1600 Championship.

While studying Business Administration at Aston University, Tony kept racing. In 1972, he joined Formula 3, driving for a team run by Bernie Ecclestone. He later switched to a GRD 372 car. His skills improved greatly, making him one of the best drivers in Formula 3.

In 1973, he won two of the three British Formula 3 Championships. He shared one championship with Richard Robarts. He also won the John Player championship. At the end of that year, he received a Grovewood Award for his achievements. He shared this award with Tom Pryce.

Moving Up in Racing

Tony wanted to race in Formula 2 in 1974. However, he did not have enough money to join. Instead, he bought a used March 733 car. He added a special engine to it and entered the MCD Formula Atlantic series.

He won the first race of the British Championship, which was a big surprise. Later, he crashed the car at Snetterton. But his strong performance caught the eye of Teddy Savory from Modus. Teddy offered Tony a chance to drive for his team.

Even though the car was a modified F3 chassis, Tony drove very well. This earned him a spot in a specially built car for 1975. He also finished second in a Formula 3 support race at the Monaco Grand Prix.

In 1975, Tony was amazing in his new car. He won six races in a row. These wins were at Snetterton, Oulton Park, and twice each at Brands Hatch and Silverstone. This was enough for him to win the MCD International Formula Atlantic Championship.

Because of these wins, Frank Williams contacted him in April. Tony was asked to make his Formula One debut. He would fill in for Jacques Laffite.

Tony Brise's Formula One Career

Tony Brise made his first Grand Prix race on April 27, 1975. He raced for Williams at the Spanish Grand Prix in Montjuic Park near Barcelona. This race was difficult due to safety concerns and many crashes. Four spectators sadly died.

Tony finished seventh in this race. He was two laps behind the leaders. His race was also affected by a collision with Tom Pryce.

Jacques Laffite returned for the next race, the Monaco Grand Prix. This meant Tony went back to Formula Atlantic. However, former world champion Graham Hill retired from racing at that same event. This brought Tony straight back into Formula One. He would now drive for Embassy Hill for the rest of the season.

Over the next few races, Tony showed great promise. He often had very fast qualifying times. He also frequently performed better than his teammate, Alan Jones. However, he faced many technical problems and bad luck. This kept him from finishing in high positions. He only earned one championship point.

Despite these challenges, many people believed Tony was a bright new talent. They thought he would have a very successful season in 1976.

Tragic Plane Crash

On November 29, 1975, Graham Hill and Tony Brise were returning to London. They were coming from southern France. They had been testing a new race car, the GH2. Andy Smallman, the team's designer, and three team mechanics were also on the plane.

The Embassy Hill plane was a twin-engine Piper Aztec. Graham Hill was piloting the plane. He was trying to land at Elstree Airfield at night. There was thick fog. The plane crashed and caught fire at Arkley golf course. All six people on board died. Tony Brise was 23 years old.

Tony Brise's Family Life

Tony Brise's wife was named Janet. She was the daughter of a famous motorcycle trials rider, Reg Allen. Tony's nephew, David Brise, is also a racing driver. He currently competes in the Britcar Endurance Championship.

Formula One Race Results

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See also

In Spanish: Tony Brise para niños