The ‘Forgotten’ Drivers of Formula 1

We all know the unforgettable drivers of Formula 1, but what about the "forgettable" ones that no one really seems to speak of?

(Image credits to Motor Sport Magazine)

James Howden Ganley was born on the 24th of December 1941 in Hamilton, New Zealand. When he was little, he had an interest in yachting, a sport in which he had some success. However, everything changed when he attended the NZIGP (New Zealand International Grand Prix) in 1955 at Ardmore, where he saw two 1955 Ferrari 625 single-seater racing cars. The following year, he made his own Go-Kart, the Ganley MK1. At the start of the 1960s, he pulled together all his funds to buy a 1956 Lotus 11 Sports Car. He competed throughout New Zealand for two years, 1961 and 1962, in different series with some success. By now, he had a goal to race in Formula 1, so he booked a one-way ticket to England.

Ganley spent a few years working as a mechanic and a driver for the Gemini FJ Works Team. A couple of years later, Ganley raced in F3 for McLaren M10B from 1967 to 1968, where he claimed 2 podiums, also managing to score points for himself and his team. Years later, in 1972, he raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished on the second step of the podium. The year prior, in 1971, James Howden Ganley was signed with the BRM F1 Team, where his highest finish was second place. Ganley managed to clutch podiums and points during his few years in Formula 1, but never a win. He retired from Formula 1 in 1974 after a suspension failure in practice at the German Grand Prix, while driving for his new Team, the Maki Team. Ganley was left with serious foot and ankle injuries, ending his Formula 1 career.

Ian Ashley         

(Image credits to Motor Sports Magazine)

Ian Hugh Gordon Ashley was born on the 26th of October 1947 in Germany, while his father was a test pilot with the Royal Air Force. Growing up, Ashley attended the Jim Russell Racing school where he showed signs of great talent. He began racing in Formula Ford; however, he soon transitioned to Formula 5000, where he showcased his potential in 1972. Ashley, a year later, won his first race in a Henley Forklift Lola T330-Chevrolet.

Ashley finished third in the 1974 European standings. He graduated to Formula 1 that year for two Grand Prix. In his debut race in Germany, he finished 14th and later failed to qualify for the Canadian and United States Grand Prix that year. Ashley started in Oaten’s F5000 team once more before another opportunity to race in Formula 1 for the second time showed itself. He was entered for the German Grand Prix in the second Williams FW03-Ford. Unfortunately, however, he crashed during testing at the Nürburgring ahead of the race, breaking both of his ankles, meaning he was unable to participate in the remaining sessions that weekend. After another bad crash at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1977, with zero wins, podiums or poles, Ian High Gordan Ashley retired from Formula 1.

Article Written By Jessica Livingstone.