15 replies to this topic

[ensign14]

...a Grand Prix entrant in 1972, one of the South Africans who came out for their home Grand Prix, DNS'd and that was his lot.

Has anyone anything more about him? Or even a photo?

I know he didn't have the most stellar of Grand Prix careers, but he's easily within living memory...

[Paul Taylor]

This is the only one I've ever seen...:
http://f1results.net...er_id~12172.htm

In fact, his single DNS is the only motorsport result I've ever found of him.

[Hieronymus]

Willie Ferguson was, if I recall correctly, the first South African FFord champion in 1969.

He competed in the South African Drivers’ Championship (aka F1 Championship) from 1970-1972. In 1970 he was entered by the late Doug Serrurier in a Lola-Ford for the F5000 sub-category. In 1971 Willie was in a Surtess TS5 and in 1972 in a Brabham BT33.

The last I heard was that Willie now lives in Natal. Durban to be precise.

[LDS]

Sorry to report, but Willie died about six months ago of cancer. His ex Team Wynns Surtees TS5A is currently for sale in UK.

[Hieronymus]

I am very sorry to learn of Willie's death.

[antony duprat]

I've aB/W pic of this unique GP apparition on a Team Gunston's BT33



Few others here
http://www.historicr...ery=3&subGal=57

[ensign14]

Thanks Antony. Nice at least to have a permanent record of a Grand Prix appearance.

[Hieronymus]

That is a very rare photo, I would imagine. Thanks for sharing!

The programme of the 1972 SAGP had the following to say about Willie:

"William Ferguson is racing in his first Grand Prix, and only his second race in a purebred three litre F1 car, after establishing himself as a forceful driver during two years of racing five litre pushrod valve single seaters.

He was amongst the first to build a Formula Vee single seater after the introduction of this Formula to South Africa. Moved on to FFord in 1969 and made his F5000 debut in one of Doug Serrurier's Lola Fords in 1970.

In 1970 and again last year he finished second in the contest for the special Gold Star award for F5000 drivers".

[antony duprat]

At the back of the grid in 1.31.9 (J.Love was in 1.21.0), Willy Ferguson was forced to become a non-starter as is one and only engine had blown-up...

[Richard Jenkins]

Originally posted by LDS
Sorry to report, but Willie died about six months ago of cancer. His ex Team Wynns Surtees TS5A is currently for sale in UK.

Oh, how sad.

Any more precise details, do you know at all (Date, month, place etc)? I find it hard to believe there wouldn't be some mention in the local press or motoring press in South Africa of his passing. He may not have been a big shake in the world of Formula 1 but he achieved a fleeting moment of fame at the top of the sport, which is more than most of us will.

[Hieronymus]

Robert Young sent me this lovely photo of Willie Ferguson, with comment:

Willie in the thundering Surtees TS8 Chevy during 1971 Republic Festival
Trophy at Kyalami. He was 5th.

For ANY driver to take part in ANY World Championship Grand Prix is a great
achievement. For a privateer to do it is the pinnacle of their career.

Sadly one will never know how good some drivers were due to their lack of
timing, equipment etc

Willie was an accomplished driver none the less.

[antony duprat]

Originally posted by antony duprat
At the back of the grid in 1.31.9 (J.Love was in 1.21.0), Willy Ferguson was forced to become a non-starter as is one and only engine had blown-up...

Few precisions...I don't contest Willy talent, he had just no time to turn more quickly (only an half session)
At the last session, he take the J. Love's car and had the same 1.21.0 time, not so bad at only 2or3 sec. of the FACTORY TS9/b...

[Richard Jenkins]

Originally posted by LDS
Sorry to report, but Willie died about six months ago of cancer. His ex Team Wynns Surtees TS5A is currently for sale in UK.

Does anyone have any idea about WHEN Willie died? I can find absolutely nothing on the web - no news reports, anything.

Does anyone know?

[Hieronymus]

19 Mei 2007 in Durban

[barrykm]

Originally posted by Hieronymus
Robert Young sent me this lovely photo of Willie Ferguson, with comment:

Willie in the thundering Surtees TS8 Chevy during 1971 Republic Festival
Trophy at Kyalami. He was 5th.

For ANY driver to take part in ANY World Championship Grand Prix is a great
achievement. For a privateer to do it is the pinnacle of their career.

Sadly one will never know how good some drivers were due to their lack of
timing, equipment etc

Willie was an accomplished driver none the less.

Seeing that picture reminds me of just how great the SA motor racing scene was in the early to mid-70s. Spending the day at Zwartkops today has also put me in that frame of mind.

[Richard Jenkins]

Originally posted by Hieronymus
19 Mei 2007 in Durban

Thank you.

I am still surprised it has been so little reported - yes, he was not the greatest GP driver of all time, but he deserved a bit more notice in the press at his passing, I must admit.