The Racing Cars History

John Watson, former McLaren, Brabham and Penske driver, finished second in the 1982 F1 World Championship and won 5 Grand Prix during his time as a Formula 1 driver. Prior to 1970, when he commenced his International career 2, he raced very successfully in Ireland. During the 60’s Watson was one of Ireland’s top drivers using various cars including Crossle, Lola and Brabham.

Brabham BT16 – Chassis F2-19-65

Watson acquired this car in 1967 and used it for 2 seasons scoring many successes with it – including setting fastest lap of the day (and therefore a lap record) enroute to winning his race at the first ever meeting at Mondello Park in 1968 and the first ever 100 mph lap of Bishopscourt. The car was first used by Jack Brabham during the 1965 season for the F2 races at Crystal Palace (retired.), Rheims (7th) and Rouen (3rd) and Karlskoga in Sweden (1st). At the end of 1965 Brabham used the car to test the new Honda F2 engine he was due to run in his 1966 F2 car. The car then passed to Robs Lamplough for the 1966 season and then to Watson for the 1967 and 1968 seasons.

Brabham BT30 – Chassis 11

This is the car that launched Watson’s International career. Fully supported by his father Marshal, Watson purchased this car to compete in the 1970 European F2 Championship. As a private entry competing against the works teams, he finished 3rd behind Jacky Ickx and Jackie Stewart in his first race at Thruxton 1970 and further enhanced his reputation by qualifying on the front row at Barcelona’s Montjuich Park. A crash at Rouen in June ended his season but the car was rebuilt for the 1971 F2 Championship. Watson competed in 17 races during the year picking up points in Sweden and Austria and won the Leinster Trophy at Mondello Park in Ireland. Such was the impression he made with this Brabham he was driving Formula 1 by the end of 1972.

Cars Race prepared by Retro Track and Air