British racing driver (1920–2023)
Kenneth McAlpine OBE DL (21 September 1920 – 8 April 2023) was a British racing driver from England.
Biography
McAlpine was born in Cobham, Surrey[1] and was a grandson of Scottish civil engineer Sir Robert McAlpine, 1st Baronet.[2] He participated in seven Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 19 July 1952 at the British Grand Prix alongside fellow Connaught driver Kenneth Downing.[3] During the development of the Connaught Racing Team based at Send in Surrey, McAlpine became a considerable financial backer[2] and enjoyed several team owner triumphs including Tony Brooks's memorable F1 victory at the 1955 Syracuse Grand Prix.[4] The team was eventually broken up in 1957 and cars sold off after McAlpine ceased receiving tax concessions.[5]
McAlpine and co-driver Eric Thompson took part in the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Connaught ALSR. They retired after 6 hours with engine failure.
After retiring from motor racing, McAlpine returned full-time to his civil engineering business and later established a successful English wine growing and bottling business at his estate in Lamberhurst, Kent.[2] He was also a member of The Air Squadron.[citation needed]
McAlpine died on 8 April 2023, at the age of 102.[6]
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Non-championship results
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References