Brian McGuire

Brian McGuire (13 December 1945 – 29 August 1977) was a racing driver and constructor from Australia. He travelled over to the UK from Australia with another hopeful young driver, Alan Jones, but did not enjoy his countryman's success. McGuire entered two Formula One British Grands Prix. He qualified for neither, but was classified as finishing 18th in the 1976 race despite crashing on the first lap. He died in a practice crash at Brands Hatch in 1977. McGuire was born in Melbourne, Australia. He began his racing career in his home country, competing in Formula Ford and Formula 5000 events. In 1973, he moved to Europe with his friend Alan Jones, who would later become the Formula One world champion in 1980. McGuire raced in various categories, including Formula Atlantic, Formula 3 and sports cars. He also built his own car, the McGuire BM1, based on a Williams FW04 chassis. He intended to enter it in the 1976 and 1977 Formula One seasons. McGuire made his first attempt to qualify for a Formula One race at the 1976 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. He was driving his McGuire BM1 with a Ford Cosworth engine. He was the slowest of the 31 entrants and failed to make the grid. He was classified as finishing 18th, as he had started the race as a reserve when other cars withdrew. However, he crashed on the first lap and did not complete the race. McGuire tried again at the 1977 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He had modified his car and renamed it the McGuire BM2. He was again the slowest in qualifying and did not qualify for the race. On 29 August 1977, McGuire was killed while practising for a Shellsport International Series race at Brands Hatch. He lost control of his car at Hawthorn Bend and hit a barrier. The impact crushed the car and left McGuire with severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead on arrival at West Hill Hospital in Dartford. McGuire was buried at St Peter's Churchyard in Limpsfield, Surrey. His grave is marked by a simple wooden cross with an inscription that reads: Brian McGuire – Racing Driver – Killed at Brands Hatch – 29th August 1977 – Aged 31 Years.