Keegan’s rapid rise

Rupert Keegan, a British race car driver, born 26 February 1955, had a rapid rise to reach Formula One, with his father Mike helping him with backing from the family owned British Air Ferries aviation company, but also with publicity in all British motorsport magazines. A wild, young, good looking man: some saw in him the potential successor of James Hunt.

Picture above: Rupert Keegan, in his Penthouse-Rizla-livered Hesketh 308E at the 1977 Monaco Grand Prix, where he did well to qualify 20th (amongst 26 entrants) and finished in 12th position. Striking livery, isn’t it?

Rupert started his career in 1973 in Formula Ford, before moving to F3, F2, and then F1 in 1977. In truth, the rise possibly came a bit too quickly, but the young lad was quite impatient, as more race experience may have helped him. He entered 37 Grand Prix (25 starts), but scored no championship points.

Keegan was not without talent, showing sometimes flashes of speed, as he proved later by winning the Aurora AFX British F1 title in 1979 at the wheel of an Arrows.