15. Howden Ganley: From F1 Driver to Sports 2000 Manufacturer

Host Sue Stockdale talks to Howden Ganley, a New Zealander who was inspired as a child to become a racing driver having been a spectator at the 1955 NZ Grand Prix. Howden talks about how he turned that passion into a reality, ultimately competing in 41 Formula One Championship Grand Prix races before he turned his attention to becoming a manufacturer.

Howden went on to found Tiga Race Cars in 1975 along with ex F1-driver Tim Schenken with the name being derived from the first two letters of 'Tim & Ganley' and being pronounced “Tyga”. Tiga constructed racing cars for various forms of open wheel racing and sports car racing, with over 400 chassis being sold. He reflects on his life and the highlights of his career as a racing driver and manufacturer.

Key Quotes:

'My family used to say, you'll grow out of it by the time you're 21, but I never did grow out of the love of racing.'

'Drivers today do benefit from the improvement in safety because it was stupidly dangerous in my day, and when you are young you think you are immortal.'

'I went to my first F1 season as the number three driver. At the end of the year I was the only one left.'

'I suppose I do look at them (Tiga cars) as children and get terribly frustrated when I see how people have modified them.'

'I mostly achieved what I wanted to, but didn’t get to where I really wanted to be and that was world champion.'

'Sadly most of today’s Grand Prix drivers, with the notable exception of Sebastian Vettel, have zero interest in motorsport history.'

'Formula 1 engines have become so efficient. Its absolutely amazing. They are now aiming for 60% efficiency out of an internal combustion engine.'

The Sports 2000 Championship has been established since 1977 and features Duratecs, Pintos and Historic Pintos.

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Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra (he/him)
Producer: Sue Stockdale (she/her)