BLACK JACK - THE UNIQUE CROWN
Driving for a personal team was common in the first decade of FORMULA 1. At times over half of the grid raced cars they bought from constructors. Private teams not named after the pilot but the manager, for instance, existed as well. Then, in 1962, a historic challenger started to take shape.
All began thanks to Sir Jack Brabham. The Sydney native mastered engineering and worked as mechanic, however he never pursued a career in racing. In his early twenties, Brabham started building a race car for his driving collegue, who eventually pushed him to compete as well. Following the advice, still with no intention to become professional, he won championships across Australia and New Zealand. This caught the eye of Cooper. Brabham flew to Great Britain for 1955, and in the offered Cooper he qualified last and retired from his first GRAND PRIX. One year went by, but the outcome stayed equal at the wheel of a Maserati. Full 1957 and 1958 seasons, back with Cooper, resulted in a single points finish. Some bad luck cost him a couple of satisfactions, all in all the events were a disappointing sequence however.
During his overseas career, due to his dark hair and at times intimidating silence, Brabham was quickly nicknamed 'Black Jack'. So, in 1959 and 1960, all cards were played for glory. Winning the maiden race at the season opener, two podiums, a further victory and P3 at Monza, led to his first WORLD CHAMPIOMSHIP title. Five consecutive victories at the heart of the next season sealed the games for Brabham, now a two-time champ. In 1962, together with Ron Tauranac, he founded BRABHAM RACING ORGANISATION and raced as driver-constructor in FORMULA 1. Yet a new crisis seemed on the way initially. No wins for five years, his teammate consistently outscoring him and thinking about retiring.
In 1966, 40-year-old 'Black Jack' stroke back. Four consecutive triumphs and a total of 43 points led Jack Brabham to be the only driver winning a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in his construction. Together with Bruce McLaren and Dan Guerney, Brabham is also amongst the only to win a FORMULA 1 race in their personal vehicle. The Brabham team secured their second and final double title in 1967, with Denny Hulme earning the driver's crown. 1981 and 1983 saw Nelson Piquet victorious in the title race and ultimately, after no results fruited, the team abbandoned the sport in 1992. 'Black Jack' stepped away from the team in 1970, retired from FORMULA 1, co-founded the engine company JUDD and continued competing across the years.