Popularly known as the “racing dentist”, Tony Brooks passed away on May 3, 2022 at 90 years old. Born as Charles Anthony Standish Brooks in Dukinfield in England in 1923, he was the remaining survivor of the 1950s winners.
Described as calm, innately quiet and self effaced gentleman, he always drove with an artistic passion. His racing was a sight for sore eyes, one could say. He had a skill of driving top speeds with safe and precision. Brooks always managed to race in a way that captivated people to come watch the races.
Statistics
- Active Years: 1956-1961
- Entries: 39(38 starts)
- Grand Prix Wins: 6 Wins
- Podium Finishes: 10
- Championship Points: 75
- Poles: 3
- Fastest Laps: 3
Beginnings of Tony Brooks
The merry ride began in 1955 when he was just a dental student from Dukinfield who dabbled in motor racing. He entered the non-championship Syracuse Grand Prix as a tyro. There he returned a star after defeating established Italian teams with his little Connaught. With that he became the first British driver to win a Grand Prix in a British car since 1924 San Sebastian Grand Prix. Surprisingly, he had only driven a Formula 2 Connaught in a few national competitions before. Moreover he spent the majority of his leisure time in Sicily studying dentistry.
Barging into Formula One
He joined the Formula1 in 1956 with Owen Racing Organization. Driving with a chassis of BRM P25, he competed in 8 races. However he failed to grab any points although he didn’t compete in the World Championship. He joined Vandervell Products in the next year.
It is without a doubt known that Tony Brooks and Vanwall were a strong duo. He was a perpetual force in that chassis. At Aintree, he became the first driver to win a race in a World Championship race for a British-constructed-car. He shared the feat with Stirling Moss at the 1957 British Grand Prix. In 1958, he raced with the same team and ended third in the World Championship with 24 points. He won three races, Belgian, German and Italian.
Tony Brooks joined Ferrari the next year where he partnered with rookie and closest friend Gurney. He ended second at the Championship winning two races, French and German. In the latter, he ended being close to the Grand Slam. He won the race from pole with the fastest lap in hand. He also led for the majority of the race. It was also his last win at the sport.
He raced for another three years where he went back to Vandervell, Yeoman and his first team Owen Racing Organisation. He ended his career at just 29 and started a dealership. His last entry was the United States Grand Prix. He ended third in that race. He remains to the day as one of the greatest drivers who have never won a Formula One Championship ever.
Stefano Domenicali, the F1 chief executive, also acknowledged the loss of a great driver. “I was saddened to learn of Tony Brooks’ death,” he said. “He was part of a special group of drivers who were pioneers and pushed the boundaries at a time when it was extremely dangerous. He will be missed, and our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.”
