David Purley

[markfarrell9572]

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the death of one of formula 1's true heroes.  Although by no means of of the great drivers of all time  David Purley was one of the bravest both in and out of the car.  He is mostly remembered for his heroic but futile efforts to save the life of Roger Williamson at the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix.  The images of his efforts are heartbreaking as is the interview he gave the next day.  In 1977 he suffered a crash of his own where his car came from 108mph to 0 in 26cm registering 180g.  He broke 29 bones but still made a comeback to the sport he loved.  In 1979 he took up stunt flying and crashed off the coast of his hometown Bognor Regis this day in 1985, this time fate decided Brave Dave's time was up. He wasn't a Senna or a Jim Clark but deserves to be remembered all the same

[lkjohnson1950]

Here, here. A MAN to the core.

Lonny

[Andy B]

Parts of the car from his big shunt are at The Donnington F1 Museum how he ever got out alive is amazing.

[cosworth151]

Thank you for the reminder, Mark. He was a racer in the best meanings of the word.

[markfarrell9572]

One of my all time heroes, couldn't let an anniversary pass.  Unfortunately he's not like Senna or Villeneuve or Clark his anniversary is largely forgotten