Tyler Alexander to retire from McLaren
#1
Posted 19 March 2009 - 17:30
As a young US mechanic with a passion for motorsport, Tyler joined Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd in 1963. He rose from mechanic status to become one of Bruce’s most trusted lieutenants and, later, one of the burgeoning team’s principal figures.
As the team expanded, Tyler found his talents blossoming on his native side of the pond, helming McLaren’s CanAm and USAC racing activities in North America before helping establish the foundations for Ron Dennis’s McLaren International operation in the 1980s. Professional, hard-working and irascible, yet possessing a canny ability to view Formula 1’s machinations with a raised eyebrow and quizzical smile, he remains eternally modest about his considerable achievements.
Ron Dennis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the McLaren Group, said: “While McLaren represents the cutting-edge of modernity, we also have huge pride and respect for our roots. Very few people embody the blend of both those worlds as well as Tyler Alexander, who began working with Bruce McLaren at the very beginning of our company’s journey.
“That he has retained an important role on our race team until his leaving speaks volumes for both his passion for the sport and his vast experience, adaptability and intelligence.
“His is a legacy that has spanned every decade of this team’s involvement in Formula 1 and one that we will continue to cherish while missing his day-to-day involvement with the team.
“Everyone within the McLaren Group and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes wishes Tyler a restful and creative time in the future.” Mclaren.com
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#2
Posted 19 March 2009 - 19:40
#3
Posted 19 March 2009 - 19:47
#4
Posted 19 March 2009 - 20:58
I remember him being there as I travelled the countryside chasing my first glimpses of multiple rounds of the Tasman Cup. Well, it was the first Tasman Cup anyway. And Tyler was there... he was there with his good friend Timmy and Timmy's brother Teddy.
But the fact that he and Teddy, who had come to Bruce McLaren Motor Racing in support of Timmy, stayed with Bruce when Timmy died shows the strength of the friendship and loyalty engendered by the late Kiwi.
1964 is a long time ago and there's been a lot of water and heartache and glory under the bridge since then. Mostly still in Teddy's company, but at times without it, Tyler has lived through it all. The grand days of the Can-Am, the frustrating days of the first two years of the 3-litre formula (count the different engines they tried!), the successes of the M19, M23 and M26, these were all a part of his life.
Terrible lows and glamorous highs. How can a man retire from that? I guess, with Teddy having just passed away, it's really pretty easy to say it's time to have a break. A very well deserved one...
#5
Posted 19 March 2009 - 22:50
The things he's experienced in his lifetime - wow! I wonder if he has any plans to set them down in writing.
#6
Posted 19 March 2009 - 23:06
Originally posted by Lotus23
TA is a native of Hingham, Massachusetts: just S of Boston. I never knew that. Not far from where I grew up. Does anyone know his age? I'd guess he's in his mid-to-late sixties by now.
The things he's experienced in his lifetime - wow! I wonder if he has any plans to set them down in writing.
Sixty Eight.
Nigel
#7
Posted 19 March 2009 - 23:10
Originally posted by Lotus23
Does anyone know his age? I'd guess he's in his mid-to-late sixties by now.
The things he's experienced in his lifetime - wow! I wonder if he has any plans to set them down in writing.
"McLaren announced earlier this week that Tyler Alexander is to retire, 46 years after he first joined the team. But we hear that the 68-year-old American may not be finished with the sport yet, as his passion, enthusiasm and technical experience could still be useful to another F1 team."
http://www.grandprix...ns/ns21254.html
#8
Posted 20 March 2009 - 13:43
Brian
#9
Posted 20 March 2009 - 16:55
He and Teddy Mayer formed a British-based Indycar team called Mayer Motor Racing for which Alexander ran the technical operations. The team came close to winning the 1984 Indycar title at its first attempt, with driver Tom Sneva. Mayer Motor Racing disappeared soon afterwards when Mayer and Alexander became the team principals in what was to become Carl Haas's Beatrice F1 team. Alexander was team manager of the operation, but when Beatrice unexpectedly pulled out the team was forced to fold.Originally posted by B Squared
Didn't Tyler Alexander have a stint with the Newman - Haas IndyCar team in the mid 1980's? I seem to remember him and CART technical personel having a very heated debate next to Mario's car at Road America in '84 - '86. Sorry, I don't recall the exact year. My apologies in advance if this was a different individual than Mr. Alexander.
Brian
http://www.grandprix...ref-aletyl.html
#10
Posted 20 March 2009 - 17:25
Originally posted by B Squared
Didn't Tyler Alexander have a stint with the Newman - Haas IndyCar team in the mid 1980's? I seem to remember him and CART technical personel having a very heated debate next to Mario's car at Road America in '84 - '86. Sorry, I don't recall the exact year. My apologies in advance if this was a different individual than Mr. Alexander.
Brian
Brian, you are right that Tyler ran NHR for a time during the eighties. This was after Mayer Motor Racing (1984) had morphed into the FORCE / Beatrice Haas F1 team (1985-1986). He joined NHR after 1986. Check out the crew picture from Indy qualifying in 1987 for Mario Andretti's car.
Thanks
Nigel
#11
Posted 20 March 2009 - 20:59
Brian
#12
Posted 21 March 2009 - 06:30
Warren
#13
Posted 21 March 2009 - 07:06
Originally posted by Nigel Beresford
Brian, you are right that Tyler ran NHR for a time during the eighties. This was after Mayer Motor Racing (1984) had morphed into the FORCE / Beatrice Haas F1 team (1985-1986). He joined NHR after 1986. Check out the crew picture from Indy qualifying in 1987 for Mario Andretti's car.
Thanks
Nigel
FORCE - Formula One Race Car Engineering - Wasn't this also known as The McLaren Old Boy's Association, Nigel? I was promised five years of work from the Beatrice organisation, but of course...
#14
Posted 21 March 2009 - 10:25
Originally posted by Tony Matthews
FORCE - Formula One Race Car Engineering - Wasn't this also known as The McLaren Old Boy's Association, Nigel? I was promised five years of work from the Beatrice organisation, but of course...
Exactly right on the acronym. You will recall that they were based right there at what is now the exit from the M25 you take for Terminal 4, a stone's throw from the Poyle Trading Estate where McLaren were based until 1981 or 82. The 'McLaren Old Boys' (MOB) included Tyler and Teddy of course, John Baldwin, Phil Sharp, my father Don and many others. I believe you "did" the THL-2 didn't you?
Thanks, Nigel
#15
Posted 27 August 2009 - 21:20
strong as ever. At the British Grand Prix this year he was back in McLaren
uniform working in their pit garage. Here is a photo taken on the Saturday
between sessions. This is Tyler with Kim Pond.
Photograph by Howden Ganley
#16
Posted 20 July 2012 - 11:02
Phil Sharp has a good result today!Exactly right on the acronym. You will recall that they were based right there at what is now the exit from the M25 you take for Terminal 4, a stone's throw from the Poyle Trading Estate where McLaren were based until 1981 or 82. The 'McLaren Old Boys' (MOB) included Tyler and Teddy of course, John Baldwin, Phil Sharp, my father Don and many others. I believe you "did" the THL-2 didn't you?
Thanks, Nigel
http://www.nzherald....jectid=10820951
#17
Posted 21 July 2012 - 00:48
#18
Posted 21 July 2012 - 02:14
http://www.flickr.co...157623311357576
http://www.flickr.co...57623311357576/
http://www.flickr.co...57623311357576/
#19
Posted 21 July 2012 - 12:19
If so, an e.mail (address below) would be greatly appreciated...
#21
Posted 21 July 2012 - 20:33
Copyright JAG