Tommy Byrne, TNFer & award-winning author
#1
Posted 29 November 2004 - 21:55
So how quick was he really? Now that my interest has been stirred I'm curious. To me he was another driver I could pick out by name but as he was around at the start of my time and mainly in the lower formula I can't really say.
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#2
Posted 30 November 2004 - 00:22
In 1981 he won the British and European FF2000 Championships in a works Van Diemen. Then, at the season's end, Van Diemen's factory FF1600 driver Ayrton Senna da Silva (as he still was) threw a tantrum and went home to Brazil, leaving Ralph Firman high and dry for the highly-prestigious Formula Ford Festival - or Marlboro World Cup, as it was that year. Ralph had little choice but to ask Tommy to fill in, and he dutifully did.
It's not easy to revert from a double-championship campaign in a slicks & wings formula and revert back to street tyres & no wings and still be quick. But he did, and was, and duly won the World Cup.
And I must say that I'm rather proud to have the famous 'trophy which Senna never won' in my hallway here (mag included for the benefit of more cynical persons!)...
Tommy then went and won the Thruxton F3 'TV Race' on his debut in the formula, which preceded a season of British F3 with (ex-Motoring News scribe) Murray Taylor Racing. Despite missing five rounds, he managed to win that too. You could say that he was on a roll....
Well, he was. But not in every arena. Tommy was offered a McLaren testing contract - almost unheard of in those days - directly after his domination of the BGP F3 race. He politely declined, because he'd also received a simultaneous an offer from the opposite end of the grid, courtesy the Theodore team, and the difference was that this was a race deal... [NB: I have to be careful now, simply because Tommy is working on his autobiography and I don't want to spoil the impact.] Suffice to say that - at the end of season test with them at Silverstone, he was well and truly 'stitched up'.
Even so, talented chap that he is, he nevertheless managed to set a best time in the region of over 2 secs faster than Lauda and Watson, and over a second quicker than Boutsen, with a time which was third-fastest ever ground effect F1 lap of the Silverstone GP circuit...
He suffered badly from adverse publicity thanks to certain elements within F1, and was obliged to stay in F3 for '83, albeit in the European series. If you can get hold of a tape of the Monaco race that year then do so; he was nothing short of awesome! (And if they show the slow-down lap, you'll see him stop to talk to me outside the Tip Top!).
Following another year with Anson (Gary Anderson's team), he went to the USA; firstly in SuperVee & FF, then followed by ARS. And once there, he learned a really mean barbeque technique too!
I won't go on about the ins and outs of his career, as it's all well documented I suppose. But I should perhaps mention that - at one point - he was the most successful ARS/Indy Lights driver, only to be the perrenial bridesmaid thanks to pure bad fortune.
Heck, I'm biased - he's my best mate! Oh, and watch out for my godson Tommy Junior, because he's on is way up...!
Anyway, there are plenty of you out there who'll have seen him perform - so what do you think...?
#3
Posted 30 November 2004 - 00:55
Of all the British based drivers at that time I think he was the one that could have really done it. Not only was he obviously immensely talented and fast he also had the self-belief - almost arrogance - so obvious in the likes of Mansell, Senna, Prost and Schumacher.
Was he ignored because he was't demure or 'corporate' enough? It was about this time (the Superilence strike at Kyalami was the first warning) that drivers were becoming, more and more, mouthpieces for their employees - about the same time as Ron Dennis came into F1. Coincidence?
It's a shame he didn't get the break he deserved. But then again if he'd have had to have changed his personality to do it then f*** 'em. F1's loss. IMO
#4
Posted 30 November 2004 - 01:05
#5
Posted 30 November 2004 - 05:33
#6
Posted 30 November 2004 - 13:22
He was one I 'took against' though, partly because he was too good, and I always support 'underdogs' (!), also because I got the impression from afar that he was a bit too confident ! I do think though that he should have gone a lot further than he did.
Did his personality work against him, in those increasingly 'corporate' days ??
#7
Posted 30 November 2004 - 14:06
#8
Posted 30 November 2004 - 23:37
Yes, fauso, it's true! I just spoke to Tommy, as I couldn't remember which road it took place on. He was born on the back seat as they sped down the main dual carriageway between Dundalk and Drogheda heading for the hospital...Originally posted by fausto
I remember I read on some Italian (or British/Autosport) magazine that he was "so natural" because he was born in the car on the way to the hospital, is this true?
Tommy also likes to tell (his boys especially) about how he didn't sleep in a cot (crib) because there was no space. Instead his parents put him to bed in a cupboard drawer to sleep when he was a baby!
...including Roberto Moreno, Quique Mansilla and our fellow TNFer Enrique Benamo (known here as Repco von Brabham)!Originally posted by Mallory Dan
Completely blew off Weaver/Brundle/Scott/sundry South Americans.
I think that nowadays Tommy can see how his self-confidence (in his driving ability) rubbed some people up the wrong way, yes.Did his personality work against him, in those increasingly 'corporate' days ??
But, you know what? It was just that - his character - which made him so popular with the Americans when he first raced over there. I'll never forget Tommy and I going out for a few beers with Willy T Ribbs in Long Beach, 1984. At the time, Willy T had a reputation as being the biggest character on the US racing scene, but he just did not know how to cope with Tommy! It was so funny watching him, with his jaw gaping open in disbelief as Tommy held court...
#9
Posted 01 December 2004 - 00:16
angst... I'll make sure Tommy sees this! And you're right; the Theodore was a complete pile of poo.Originally posted by angst
I remember thinking, when he turned up in Euro F3 in '83, what the f*** is Tommy Byrne doing here? He'd proven everything he could in F3 in '82 - a season he dominated, something Senna couldn't do the following year. He'd shown a good turn of speed in what was by no means a competitive car with Theodore and not one other F1 manager saw that?
Of all the British based drivers at that time I think he was the one that could have really done it [...] It's a shame he didn't get the break he deserved. But then again if he'd have had to have changed his personality to do it then f*** 'em. F1's loss. IMO
...and this too!Originally posted by xflow7
I've never seen him race, but he's been an instructor at Mid-Ohio both times I've gone to the school, and I can say he's one hell of a fun guy to be around.
Did anyone else witness his complete destruction of the opposition in the GP F3 support race Brands in '82? He was sooo much quicker through Paddock, it was unreal!
And how about TransAm? IIRC in the wet one time, he was seven seconds faster than the next bloke...!
#10
Posted 01 December 2004 - 21:15
#11
Posted 01 December 2004 - 21:29
#12
Posted 01 December 2004 - 22:08
Indy Lights race at Pocono. The forecast is for rain 100%. The crew preps the car and leaves the track, Tommy's with them. It's raining, and it's going to rain for at least the next 24 hours, there's no way that they're going to be running the next day.
Everyone goes for a big piss-up. Tommy leads the pack drinking twice his share.
The alarm clock goes off the next day and it's dry! Somehow the rain hit around the track, but the track itself is dry. There is a practice session in the morning and single car qualifying mid-afternoon.
Tommy can't go out for practice. He's sick as a dog. Hell, the whole crew is wrecked.
They line him up for qualifying. He still hasn't been able to keep even water down. In single car qualifying, you call out how many laps you want to warm up with. Everyone is taking the maximum which means they are getting the green flag on the 4th time by.
Tommy was fastest in practice on the previous day, so he was the last to qualify. Right before the official sends him out he asks how many warm-up laps. Tommy holds up his index finger. Green flag first time by.
You get 2 timed laps in single car oval qualifying. Tommy took his one warm-up lap and one timed lap before pulling in.
With his single timed lap he stuck it on Pole.
A mechanic drags him out of the car and takes him back to the hotel. Needless to say, he had an early night. Pretty sure he won the race the next day, too.
#13
Posted 02 December 2004 - 08:58
#14
Posted 03 December 2004 - 03:02
#15
Posted 03 December 2004 - 07:45
Tommy, it was widely believed, liked to stuff the Devil's dandruff up his nose. This issue has to come out sometime, it might as well be now. Tommy liked nasal highballs, they both helped and wrecked him.
Byrne drove a Theodore in the 1982 Austrian GP, he qualified last. An Austrian TV interviewer asked him what he thought of Niki Lauda. You are a rookie, you need sponsorship, you are in Austria and you are asked about Lauda. Is it really sensible to say, 'Niki who?'
There was the time when he missed an F3 qualifying session at Donington Park while trying to rebuld his career, because he took his girlfriend back to their hotel for a shag. Why they could not have done it in the back of the transporter, like everyone else, remains a mystery.
The fact is that Tommy was brilliantly gifted, but he was also an utter prat. He has not been the only utter prat in motor racing and we do ourselves no service if we pretend otherwise.
#16
Posted 03 December 2004 - 09:29
Mike, you just keep telling it like it is. Or was.
#17
Posted 03 December 2004 - 11:27
According to Tommy, some Van Diemen personnel, plus two McLaren mechanics who were working there that day, Dennis was not present. Tyler Alexander was in charge in his absence.Originally posted by Mike Lawrence
I was one for the few present when when Tommy Byrne had his McLaren test. He was so full of himself that Ron Dennis said, 'I don't care how quick he is, I never want to see that man near one of my cars again.'
While Tommy was no angel, he most certainly never indulged in anything which may have 'helped' his driving (and quite how you determine that such practices would in any way 'help' a driver beats me). Hung over on the odd occasion (see the earlier post) perhaps, but other stuff? And in an F1 car? Get a grip.Tommy, it was widely believed, liked to stuff the Devil's dandruff up his nose. This issue has to come out sometime, it might as well be now. Tommy liked nasal highballs, they both helped and wrecked him.
I never realised Bob Constanduros was Austrian... It was a joke, said in private, and to someone he thought was a friend.Byrne drove a Theodore in the 1982 Austrian GP, he qualified last. An Austrian TV interviewer asked him what he thought of Niki Lauda. You are a rookie, you need sponsorship, you are in Austria and you are asked about Lauda. Is it really sensible to say, 'Niki who?'
He was sent back to the hotel and told to wait for a call by his boss Gary Anderson. However Gary didn't realise Tommy was staying in a different place to him, and so when he tried to call he couldn't find him. Once Tommy was located, he got to the track in time for one flying lap and put the Anson on the front row.There was the time when he missed an F3 qualifying session at Donington Park while trying to rebuld his career, because he took his girlfriend back to their hotel for a shag. Why they could not have done it in the back of the transporter, like everyone else, remains a mystery.
Yep. Even more prats than I'd realised, in fact...The fact is that Tommy was brilliantly gifted, but he was also an utter prat. He has not been the only utter prat in motor racing and we do ourselves no service if we pretend otherwise.
[A little more detail added, now I've had chance to double-check a couple of points with Tommy. Unlike some, I choose to make sure of my facts first.]
#18
Posted 03 December 2004 - 12:23
Plus he was a mick, so its part of the job spec
#19
Posted 03 December 2004 - 14:12
I've checked this out with Tommy, as my recollection wasn't too good not having been at that race. Essentially the story you heard is correct, except it was race day the following day and not qualifying - Tommy was already on pole.
The ARS teams were told the night before race day that the CART event was their priority and instead of being run prior to the main event as normal, the ARS race would run afterwards - if at all - as the forecast was for rain. So, as you heard, the team went out and partied knowing that at best they had a late start time the next day, and a strong likelyhood of being completely rained-off.
But then, due to the weather pattern changing, the organisers had a change of plan. But omitted to tell anyone... Tommy was given a call at about 5.30am and informed that his race had been rescheduled for 8.00am. He won the race, and went straight to his friend's motorhome and was fed steak in order to feel 'better'!
Dolomite & xflow7;
Nice shot, Dolomite! That helmet design was great, wasn't it? It was done in deference to his personal sponsor Koss, who made high quality speakers and the like. Perhaps it attracted too much attention, however, as it was subsequently stolen.
Danny;
I might have met you in Miami too!
Todd;
That piece by Joe really sums it up! And it's 100% accurate, too...
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#20
Posted 04 December 2004 - 10:40
My father, a long time race watcher, was also very impressed with Tommy from watching those same ARS races on TV. He used to ask why he didn't get a shot in CART, since he clearly had much more talent than several that moved up.
I recall a spectacular move Tommy made in one of the Long Beach events. He swung to the outside wall nearing the end of the Shoreline straight, darted over to the inside and outbraked into the right hand turn 1. Third to first, IIRC.
#21
Posted 04 December 2004 - 19:48
He could have been a major rival to Senna if events had gone his way. From me there can be no higher praise than that.
Paul.
#22
Posted 07 December 2004 - 00:58
Gotta love that helmet, brilliant!!
#23
Posted 08 December 2004 - 00:41
#24
Posted 08 December 2004 - 21:31
For probably what little it's worth I posted the following:
Tommy Byrne...well, well, well.
Never forget one sunny afternoon in the early eighties (82, I would guess) when I was in Hyde Park reading a book - I should have been in the office - when this chap comes bounding up to me and says "hello stranger, long time - no see" (or words to that effect).
It was Tom. We'd not met for a few years and he proudly told me about his successive F3 victories. It made my day. I had no idea about his success, because I had stopped following all motor racing completely for reasons that remain unclear.
I think he was with Murray Taylor's wife's sister - very attractive girl anyway...
I was probably one of the first - if not the first - British journo to meet Tom Byrne (as he was then generally known, i.e not "Tommy") at Mondello Park the week before the annual Phoenix Park meeting.
His new Formula Ford PRS had failed just before the final corner and I asked him what the problem was
Realising who I was after my brief introduction - I worked on Motoring News - he had a real go at me because I'd described him as "overrated" in the paper the previous week.
Basically he told me to watch and see, which I did.
I was impressed, very impressed actually. And absolutely delighted that sunny day in London's Hyde Park when we met by chance and he told me of his successes in F3. I remember it well.
What a shame he never realised that great early potential. Yes, he was clearly VERY talented.
Mark
#25
Posted 27 January 2005 - 18:39
Twinny...and other interested parties. I have just figured out how to use Imageshack (having recently crawled out of a cave) and I thought you might like this picture. I know you are a Tommy Byrne fan and here is a nice picture of Tommy and me having a chit chat. He is the one in the car!
It was in the Pheonix Park, Dublin in (i think) 1980. I was stationed at my post which was about where the blue flag is laying...under the car...when the Tommy got hit from behind approaching Mountjoy corner on the second lap. I remenber considering for a moment that if I ducked down behind the Gas Lamp Post I would be safe. My insticts knew better and had me running even before the debate in my mind had concluded.
I thought you might enjoy this...
Mo.
#26
Posted 27 January 2005 - 18:40
Mo.
#27
Posted 27 January 2005 - 18:44
#28
Posted 27 January 2005 - 18:49
#29
Posted 27 January 2005 - 18:51
#30
Posted 27 January 2005 - 19:00
#31
Posted 27 January 2005 - 19:06
I've sent a link to Tommy as I'm sure he'll have a reason for it! He probably spotted some totty somewhere...
#32
Posted 27 January 2005 - 20:44
#33
Posted 27 January 2005 - 20:45
"I was just starting the 2nd lap and I started outside pole, which - at that time - was a disaster for me as I was obviously the best driver in the world and I didn't get the pole! I was already been talked about as being a washed-up wanker by the Tommy-haters...
I think I got the jump at the start and I got into the first turn 1st or 2nd, and - just when I was about to turn in - I happened to glance in my mirror and saw shit flying behind me! Somebody had missed their braking point, and so I decided to be on the safe side and go straight on down the escape road, turn around and start last.
That's what was happening when I went in to Mountjoy; I'd hit the brakes, the back ones locked up, and around she went until I came to a stop by the lamp post...
I didn't even see Mo, as when I crashed I always held on for dear life and shut my eyes until it was all over! When I was taken into the ambulance, my sister was waiting for me and I could hear the corner workers shouting "turn off the power!" Then I heard them shouting "turn off the gas...!"
That was the only time that I got hurt in a race car - when my knee hit against the chassis."
Mo - can you email me, please? Ta.
#34
Posted 29 January 2005 - 20:06
A great pic of Tommy Byrne at Las Vegas in 1982.
http://www.gpx.it/mo...Theodore-01.jpg
From : gpx.it
#35
Posted 11 May 2005 - 22:48
As soon as I'm able to, I'll tell all!
#36
Posted 12 May 2005 - 01:03
#37
Posted 12 May 2005 - 07:19
#38
Posted 12 May 2005 - 07:22
#39
Posted 12 May 2005 - 07:41
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#40
Posted 12 May 2005 - 09:15
Originally posted by Arjan de Roos
I bet Byrne would be a good endurance racer. Look at 'our' Lammers (who is TB's senior). At their age they might no longer be so very quick, however the ability to race isnt lost by age alone. Give the man a car...
Would be great to see Tommy in GrandAm or ALMS, definitely!
#41
Posted 12 May 2005 - 12:03
#42
Posted 12 May 2005 - 13:36
Originally posted by ghinzani
Cheers for unlocking this Twinny btw
#43
Posted 13 May 2005 - 06:51
#44
Posted 20 May 2005 - 23:59
I am desperate to know ;)
#45
Posted 21 May 2005 - 00:16
He'll be chuffed at the positive response to this latest possibility (which, by the way, should be confirmed or canned within the next week) and I know he looks at this thread every now and again.
When I was in Daytona, I signed him up for TNF as he said was happy to contribute the occasional post - but I then lost his bloody password! I'll see if I can sort that out, as it seems as if a few of us would like to hear his views - on a few different topics, I imagine...
And yes, Ghinza, Martin is assisting Tommy financially should it come to fruition. Are you aware that Tommy once tested one of Martin's NASCAR chassis? Not a lot of people know that...!
#46
Posted 21 May 2005 - 00:38
Mo.
#47
Posted 21 May 2005 - 07:03
TW I am sure I read about Tommy in a Nascar in Autospurt before, Birrane had Bush/ARCA or Nascar teams for a couple of years, non?
#48
Posted 30 September 2005 - 18:51
Apologies for this hideously late reply, Ghinza...Originally posted by ghinzani
TW I am sure I read about Tommy in a Nascar in Autospurt before, Birrane had Bush/ARCA or Nascar teams for a couple of years, non?
That's right, Martin did have a team for a while. When I was in Mondello for the BSB race earlier this year, I had the chance to go round the museum Martin's created there. It's not Donington - it doesn't pretend to be - but there are some great cars in there nevertheless!
Included in that number are at least two NASCAR chassis which Martin entered in the early 1990s (I think it was). Tommy had one, maybe two, tests and unfortunately shunted. The cars were all supplied by Richard Childress, IIRC, and I think they featured the legend 'Mondello Park' large on the rear fenders.
Anyhow, the 'big' news regarding Tommy a few months back was the chance he would be in the 'guest car' for the Porsche Supercup race supporting the British GP. Sadly, however, it didn't come together...
On a brighter note, I'm hoping Tommy will be posting here himself in the not too distant. We've just been sorting out his password etc, and that's how I came across the unanswered question!
#49
Posted 09 December 2005 - 21:16
Tommy was over in Ireland from Florida last week, just for a few days. Mark Hughes and I duly met up with him there, the main objective being for those two to progress the book project...
...and to re-visit some of Tommy's old haunts. This was an early place of gainful employment for TB;
The book isn't too far away, and could well be out next year.