Mike Thackwell
|
|
| Born |
30 March 1961 Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Formula One World Championship career | |
| Nationality |
 New Zealander |
| Active years | 1980, 1984 |
| Teams | Arrows, Tyrrell, RAM |
| Entries | 5 (2 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1980 Dutch Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1984 German Grand Prix |
Michael Thackwell (born 30 March 1961 in Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand) is a former racing driver, who participated in a number of prominent racing categories, including Formula One. The third youngest driver ever to qualify for a Grand Prix, he participated in five of them, making his first start on 28 September 1980 at the Canadian Grand Prix. He scored no championship points. He had previously attempted unsuccessfully to qualify for the Dutch Grand Prix which was held on 31 August 1980.
Thackwell has been described as a "teenage sensation", a "maverick" and as "something of a cult hero". Outside Formula One, he competed successfully in Formula Three, Formula Two, Formula 3000 and sports cars, amongst other categories.
In 1984, Thackwell won the European Formula Two Championship. He was runner up in that championship in 1983, and in its successor, the International Formula 3000 Championship, in 1985. In each case, he was driving a works Ralt. Also in 1986, he won the Pau Grand Prix, again in a works Ralt. Later in the year, he combined with Henri Pescarolo to win the 1000km Nürburgring sports car race, in a Sauber C8.
Thackwell was born into a motor racing family. For many years, his father, Ray, was a successful international speedway rider and racing driver. When Mike was six years old, his family emigrated from New Zealand to Perth, Western Australia, where he spent his formative years, and also began racing. Michael Thackwell has 4 siblings Joan Caccioppoli - Kerry John Thackwell - Lisa Brabham - Heidi Thackwell. Lisa is married to David Brabham.
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