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Tony MaggsSouth African racing driver
Date of Birth: 09.02.1937
Country:  South Africa |
Content:
- Tony Maggs: A South African Racing Legend
- Success in Formula Junior and Formula 1 Debut
- A Promising Career in Formula 1
- Triumphs and Tragedy
- A Heroic Act
Tony Maggs: A South African Racing Legend
Early Career and Move to EnglandTony Maggs, a renowned South African racing driver, emerged as the second most successful Formula 1 pilot from his nation after Jody Scheckter. After a successful run in South African motorsport, Maggs relocated to England in 1959. His talent was quickly recognized, and he began competing in Formula 2 with Cooper.
Success in Formula Junior and Formula 1 Debut
In 1960, Maggs secured a third-place finish in the Vanwall Trophy. The following year, Ken Tyrrell recruited him for the Cooper Formula Junior team. Maggs excelled in this series, winning eight races and sharing the championship title with Jo Siffert. He also made two Formula 1 appearances.
A Promising Career in Formula 1
In 1962, Maggs joined the Cooper team alongside Bruce McLaren. He achieved two podium finishes and an impressive seventh overall in the championship. He continued with the team the following year, finishing eighth in the standings. However, he was replaced by Phil Hill in 1964. Undeterred, Maggs switched to BRM, earning points on two occasions.
Triumphs and Tragedy
Maggs participated in the 1965 South African Grand Prix. He followed this up with a second-place finish in the Rome Grand Prix and top-four finishes in Formula 2 in Oulton Park and Pau. The pinnacle of his success was a third-place result at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Yet, Maggs' promising career took a tragic turn when he fatally struck a boy who entered a restricted area at the Pietermaritzburg race. Haunted by guilt, he retired from motorsport to become a farmer.
A Heroic Act
Despite his retirement, Maggs made headlines again in 1967. The plane he was traveling in crashed, leaving him with severe injuries and burns. However, with remarkable resilience, Maggs emerged from the wreckage and assisted in rescuing his fellow passengers.
