Grand Prix Winning ‘Racing Dentist’ Dies At 90
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- Published: Wednesday, 04 May 2022 22:14
- Written by Chris Tapper
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The world of motor racing is mourning the loss of former Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Tony Brooks.
Known as the ‘Racing Dentist,’ Tony drove in a total of 39 Formula 1 races. He finished second in the world drivers’ championship in 1959, while with the Ferrari team.
He also secured three pole positions and 10-podium finishes during his six-year F1 career.
Until his death this week at the aged of 90, Tony Brooks was the last surviving Grand Prix winner from the 1950s, following the death of Sir Stirling Moss in 2020.
The Goodwood Road and Racing website wrote in its obituary this week ““Tony was a far better driver than many who won a world championship,” said Stirling Moss, “he was the greatest unknown racing driver there’s ever been, he should have won the title in 1959 with Ferrari.””
In 1955, Brooks was invited to drive a Connaught in the Syracuse Grand Prix in Sicily and won, while still a dental student at Manchester University.
The Vintage Road and Racecar website said of the invitation “That was a bit of a shock but, rather absentmindedly, he accepted, swatting for his dentistry finals on the journey to the Mediterranean island.”
Tony Brooks was born in Dukinfield, Cheshire, and was the son of Charles Standish Brooks, who practised as a dental surgeon.
Vintage Road and Racecar wrote “Although he qualified in dentistry, he decided not to practice that profession, but instead invested his time in building up his Weybridge garage Lancia dealership, which is within sight of the old Brooklands racing circuit.”
Stefano Domenicali statement:
— F1 Media (@F1Media) May 3, 2022
“I was saddened to hear the news that Tony Brooks has died. He was part of a special group of drivers who were pioneers and pushed the boundaries at a time of great risk. He will be missed and our thoughts are with his family at this time.” pic.twitter.com/aodzebMsWG
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