Did Bernie ever drive in Formula 1

[rsole]

A heated debate has started in the pub, (i'm working, so please excuse rushed post). I am sure this is not correct. I know he ran a couple of teams in the early days, but wasn't aware he drove.

Is this the case?

Thanks

[Streps]

He entered two races in 1958 driving a Connaught.
Didn't qualify though.

[Steffan]

rsole said:

A heated debate has started in the pub, (i'm working, so please excuse rushed post). I am sure this is not correct. I know he ran a couple of teams in the early days, but wasn't aware he drove.

Is this the case?

Thanks

He drove in Formula 500 post WWII but not in F1 as a far as I know. Certainly drove some cars on the tracks.

[rsole]

Dammit.

The debate was race, so technically he didn't!!

Thanks.

[FourWheelDrift]

He couldn't see over the wheel.

[Steffan]

FourWheelDrift said:

He couldn't see over the wheel.

I realise the Ecclestone is not a tall man but any adult could see over a Cooper Formula 500 Wheel IMO. I think he had several accidents in his racing cars and wisely realised his considerable talents lay elsewhere.

[GadgeS3C]

Steffan said:

I realise the Ecclestone is not a tall man but any adult could see over a Cooper Formula 500 Wheel IMO. I think he had several accidents in his racing cars and wisely realised his considerable talents lay elsewhere.

Probably managed to sell the wreckage and make a profit!

[Steffan]

GadgeS3C said:

Steffan said:

I realise the Ecclestone is not a tall man but any adult could see over a Cooper Formula 500 Wheel IMO. I think he had several accidents in his racing cars and wisely realised his considerable talents lay elsewhere.

Probably managed to sell the wreckage and make a profit!

Quite. Ecclestone undoubtedly is on hell of a businessman. Not really much of a racing driver. But this experience clearly sowed the seeds of his subsequent career and business interests and paved the way for Formula One as the Modern business it has become. I personally do not like F1 nowadays but undoubtedly Ecclestone is both the Architect and real driving force. A remarkable, if not a particularly pleasant man.

[Justaredbadge]

GadgeS3C said:

Probably managed to sell the wreckage and make a profit!

At the same time as being a car salesman, a driver manager and something to do with the railways.

Apparently he did a couple of laps in Lewis-Evans car at Monaco in 1958

[drakart]

Justaredbadge said:

GadgeS3C said:

Probably managed to sell the wreckage and make a profit!

At the same time as being a car salesman, a driver manager and something to do with the railways.

I read his comments about allegedly being involved in the Great Train Robbery. Classic Bernie - There wasn't enough money on the train and I could have done something better than that...

[Justaredbadge]

drakart said:

I read his comments about allegedly being involved in the Great Train Robbery. Classic Bernie - There wasn't enough money on the train and I could have done something better than that...

The deaths of two old men may see some answers.

[Steffan]

Justaredbadge said:

drakart said:

I read his comments about allegedly being involved in the Great Train Robbery. Classic Bernie - There wasn't enough money on the train and I could have done something better than that...

The deaths of two old men may see some answers.

It may indeed lead to some media speculation which employs a few media staff. I certainly cannot see any answers in these possible revelations. I very much doubt if the scale of that matter was up to Bernie's level of business activity. A remarkably able businessman with boundless energy. He is already well past the age when most are dead. Totally driven and very focused. Still totally focused on driving the business on. There really are very few businessmen with this much determination.

[MysteryPoster]

He drove in F1 Stockcars as well for a few races, about 1954. He was also a track promoter for a short while. Think it is mentioned in his book but not sure.