3. Tom Pryce
Active years: 1974 - 1977
42 GPs - 2 podiums
As bashful and gentle as he appeared to be off the track, Welshman Tom Pryce was a fast and fearless racer, with a flamboyant style to match.
A relative late bloomer in motorsport, Pryce carved his way to F1 by exploiting his remarkable talent but also his tenacity. His access to the big time came courtesy of the modest Token outfit at the 1974 Belgian Grand Prix at Nivelles.
Two weeks later, the team's entry for Monaco was turned down, a rejection that proved a blessing in disguise for Pryce who kept himself busy in the Prinicpality with an F3 drive that was put to good use. A commanding win led to phone calls from various F1 teams determined to snap up the talented Welshman's services.
Ultimately, he opted for Shadow where he built his experience and refined his skills over the next few years. In 1975, after teammate Jean-Pierre Jarier almost bagged a win in Brazil, Pryce won the non-championship 'Race of Champions' at Brands Hatch, a win that further validated his growing talent. At Silverstone later in the year, he put the sleek DN5 on pole and was leading when he was caught out by a torrential downpour.
©CahierArchive
Shadow's financial constraints were a burden on the team's potential in 1976, but Pryce remained faithful to Don Nichols' team for 1977, despite a courtship from Lotus who wanted to pair the Welshman with Mario Andretti.
Propped up by sponsorship from wealthy Italian Franco Ambrosio, Shadow's early races were nevertheless uneventful. In South Africa, where Peter Revson had been killed three years earlier with the team, it was tragedy all over again for Shadow, with Pryce as the innocent victim.
When teammate Renzo Zorzi pulled off on Kyalami's main straight, a young marshall ran across the track, extinguisher in hand to tend to a small fire at the back of the car.
Pryce, who had simultaneously come over the crest at full speed, hit the marshal and was struck on the head by the heavy fire extinguisher. The 27-year-old driver was killed instantly.
"Tom Pryce had more obvious talent than several youngsters who subsequently scaled GP-winning heights, of that there is no doubt in my mind," once wrote famed British journalist and author Alan Henry.
"His driving mirrored his own personality — uncomplicated and enthusiastic, spiced with star quality."
©CahierArchive
