Peter Revson
Peter Revson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter Jeffrey Revlon Revson 27 February 1939 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | 22 March 1974 (aged 35) Kyalami, South Africa |
| Other names | "Champagne Peter" |
| Occupation | Racing driver |
| Years active | 1960–1974 |
| Known for | Formula One, IndyCar, Can-Am, Trans-Am racing |
Peter Jeffrey Revlon Revson (February 27, 1939 – March 22, 1974) was an American racing driver who participated in Formula One between and , achieving two Grand Prix victories over the course of five seasons.
A native of New York City, Revson was the nephew of Charles Revson and heir to the family cosmetics firm, Revlon. He claimed the title in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup in 1971 and secured fifth place in the World Drivers' Championship standings in both and while driving for McLaren. Additionally, he finished second to Al Unser in the 1971 Indianapolis 500.
Revson, together with Dan Gurney, is distinguished for winning events across four key racing series: Formula One, IndyCar, Can-Am, and the Trans-Am. His celebratory tradition of spraying champagne earned him the moniker "Champagne Peter". In recognition of his career, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1996.
Background
Born in New York City to Martin Revson and Julie (née Phelps) Hall, Peter Revson came from a family deeply connected to the cosmetics industry. Martin, co-founder of Revlon alongside his brother Charles Revson, departed from the company in 1958 and later assumed the role of chairman at Del Laboratories in 1963. Peter’s middle name, Revlon, symbolized his heritage tied to the family business. Known for his independent nature, he chose a path in competitive motorsport rather than a traditional career, competing in USAC Championship Car and Formula One circuits, piloting Chris-Craft boats, and engaging with prominent social scenes. At the time of his passing, he was engaged to Marjorie Wallace, who had recently lost her title as Miss World 1973.
Early life and racing career
Raised in White Plains, New York, Revson attended several preparatory schools before briefly enrolling at Columbia University, Cornell University, and the University of Hawaii; however, he did not complete his studies. His entry into sports car racing began in 1960 during his time at the University of Hawaii, where he quickly achieved top-three finishes. After his family withdrew financial backing due to his commitment to racing, he financed his career through personal savings and funds set aside for education. Alongside Cornell classmate Timmy Mayer and friend Bill Smith under Teddy Mayer’s management, Revson competed in Formula Junior during 1962.
In pursuit of a Formula One career in 1963, Revson relocated to the United Kingdom with approximately $12,000. He acquired a Cooper T56 race car along with a Ford Thames van. Competing throughout Europe against future F1 talents such as Denny Hulme and Jochen Rindt, he attracted interest from Reg Parnell and joined Parnell’s planned F1 outfit for 1964. That year saw Revson race under both Reg Parnell Racing and his own Revson Racing teams but encounter difficulties including Parnell’s death and uncompetitive Lotus 24 machinery. He entered four Formula One World Championship events in 1964 with his best result being 13th at the Italian Grand Prix.
Returning to the United States in 1965, Revson concentrated on sports car competitions within Can-Am and Trans-Am Series while also participating in USAC Championship Car races. A highlight came at the 1969 Indianapolis 500 where he qualified last yet climbed to fifth place driving an underpowered Brabham BT25. Later that same year, he achieved his inaugural Champ Car victory at Indianapolis Raceway Park. This success led McLaren to invite him for the 1970 Indianapolis 500; he qualified 16th but retired early due to mechanical failure.
In 1970, partnering with Steve McQueen in a Porsche 908/02 at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, they finished second overall and won their class (3-liter). Additionally, Revson placed eighth in that year’s Can-Am championship driving a Lola T220 for Carl Haas Racing.
The year 1971 marked a significant advancement: Revson secured pole position and finished runner-up at the Indianapolis 500 piloting a McLaren M16. He dominated that season’s Can-Am series by winning five races and achieving three additional podiums across ten events to claim the championship with McLaren Racing. This performance earned him a debut appearance in Formula One at the United States Grand Prix for Tyrrell Racing; however, mechanical issues forced retirement after just one lap.
In 1972, Revson signed with McLaren’s Formula One team under Teddy Mayer’s leadership while continuing his participation in IndyCar and Can-Am competitions. His characteristic champagne celebrations during victory ceremonies led to his enduring nickname "Champagne Peter."
Formula One career
In the season, Revson secured 5th place in the Drivers' World Championship, contributing to McLaren's 3rd place finish in the Constructors' Championship with the M19A/M19C models. He participated in 9 out of 12 events, earning four podium finishes, with his best result being second place at the 1972 Canadian Grand Prix.
As part of his agreement with McLaren, Revson took part in the 1972 Indy Car Triple Crown series. During the 1972 Indianapolis 500, he qualified 10th but was forced to retire after 23 laps due to mechanical issues. Additionally, he withdrew early from the 1972 Pocono 500 and ended up 23rd at the 1972 California 500.
In the following year, Revson achieved two victories driving the McLaren M23—specifically at the 1973 British Grand Prix and 1973 Canadian Grand Prix—alongside two further podium placements. This performance helped McLaren maintain their 3rd place standing in the Constructors' Championship. Nevertheless, team leader Teddy Mayer decided to replace him with former world champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
Revson continued competing in McLaren vehicles during the 1973 Indy Car Triple Crown. He secured second on the grid for the 1973 Indianapolis 500 but retired early after colliding with a wall on lap three. He also earned pole positions for both the 1973 Pocono 500 and 1973 California 500, finishing in 21st and 23rd places respectively.
For the season, Revson joined Shadow Racing Cars. Piloting the new Shadow DN3, he retired from his initial two races due to an accident and engine overheating complications.
Death
On 22 March 1974, during a test session at Kyalami ahead of the 1974 South African Grand Prix, Revson tragically lost his life. His Shadow DN3 experienced a failure in the front suspension, causing it to crash into an Armco barrier, flip onto its nose, and ignite. Despite immediate rescue attempts, he was declared dead at the scene.
Designer Tony Southgate later clarified that a titanium ball joint with inadequate machining caused the suspension failure. The vehicle breached a single-layer Armco barrier into the cockpit area. This incident prompted a safety-driven switch from titanium to steel components.
Revson was the second member of his family to perish while racing; his brother Douglas died in a crash in Denmark in 1967. Both brothers are buried together at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York. Revson's autobiography, Speed with Style, was published after his death in 1974.
Following Revson’s passing, Tom Pryce took over his seat at Shadow but also died three years later at the same Grand Prix event.
Awards
In recognition of his achievements, Revson was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1996 under the sports car category.
Complete Formula One World Championship results
(key) (Races shown in bold denote pole position)
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | WDC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:F1 | Revson Racing | Lotus 24 | BRM V8 | MON DNQ |
NED | GER 14 |
AUT | ITA 13 |
USA | MEX | NC | 0 | ||||||||
| Reg Parnell Racing | BEL DSQ |
GBR Ret |
||||||||||||||||||
| Lotus 25 | FRA DNS |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Template:F1 | Elf Team Tyrrell | Tyrrell 001 | Cosworth V8 | RSA | ESP | MON | NED | FRA | GBR | GER | AUT | ITA | CAN | USA Ret |
NC | 0 | ||||
| Template:F1 | McLaren (Team Yardley McLaren) | McLaren McLaren M19A/M19C | Cosworth V8 | 1972 Argentine Grand Prix Ret |
1972 South African Grand Prix 3 ... ... |
... ... |
... |
... ... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
... |
5th |
23 |
Non-Championship Formula One Results
(key) (Races shown in bold denote pole position) (Events in italics signify fastest lap)
| Year | Team | Car | Power Unit | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:F1 | Reg Parnell | Lotus 24 | BRM V8 | LOM | GLV | PAU | IMO | SYR | AIN | INT | ROM | SOL | KAN | MED | AUT | OUL 9 |
RAN |
| Template:F1 | Revson Racing | Lotus 24 | BRM V8 | DMT Ret |
NWT 8 |
SYR Ret |
AIN DNA |
INT 9 |
SOL 4 |
MED 6 |
RAN | ||||||
| Template:F1 | Milestone Racing Team | Surtees TS8 | Chevrolet V8 | ARG | ROC | QUE Ret |
SPR | INT | RIN | OUL
|
|||||||
| Template:F1 | Yardley Team McLaren | McLaren M19A | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ROC 8 |
BRA | ||||||||||||
| McLaren M19B | INT 5 |
OUL | REP | VIC | |||||||||||||
| Template:F1 | Yardley Team McLaren | McLaren M23 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ROC | INT 4 |
||||||||||||
| Template:F1 | UOP LLC Shadow Racing Team | Shadow Racing Cars DN3 | Cosworth V8 | PRE | ROC 6 |
INT | |||||||||||
| Template:CenterTemplate:Small Source: StatsF1 | |||||||||||||||||
Full USAC Championship Car Performance
| Season | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | Ranking | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | PHX |
TRE |
INDY |
MIL |
LAN |
ATL |
PIP | IRP |
LAN |
SPR |
MIL |
DUQ |
ISF |
TRE |
SAC |
PHX 16 |
- | 0 | ||||||||||||
| 1967 | PHX 13 |
TRE DNQ |
INDY DNP |
MIL |
LAN |
PIP | MOS |
MOS |
IRP | LAN |
MTR |
MTR |
SPR |
MIL |
DUQ |
ISF |
TRE |
SAC |
HAN |
PHX |
- | 0 | ||||||||
| 1968 | HAN |
LVG |
PHX |
TRE |
INDY |
MIL |
MOS |
MOS |
LAN < br > | PIP < br > | CDR < br > | NAZ < br > | IRP < br > | IRP < br > | LAN < br > | LAN < br > | MTR < br > | MTR < br > | SPR < br > | MIL < br > | DUQ < br > | ISF < br > | TRE < br > | SAC < br > | MCH < br > | HAN < br /> | - | 0 | ||
| "1969" |
Hanford Motor Speedway
|
Trenton Speedway
|
Indianapolis Raceway Park
|
XM Satellite Radio Indy 200
|
DNP colspan=4 | |
- | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1970 |
XM Satellite Radio Indy |
Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma |
Trenton |
style="background:#EFCFFF;" |
1970 Indianapolis
500
|
Milwaukee |
Langhorne |
Continental Divide |
Firestone Indy 400 |
Indianapolis Raceway Park |
Illinois State Fairgrounds |
Milwaukee |
style="background:#DFFFDF;" |
Ontario Motor Speedwa y
|
DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack |
Indiana State Fair |
Missouri State Fair Speedway |
Trenton Speedway |
California State Fairgrounds Race Track |
XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 colspan=10 | |
- | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1971 |
Autódromo Ciudad de Rafaela
Autódromo Ciudad de Rafaela
XM Satellite Radio Indy 200
Trenton
Milwauke e style="background:#EFCFFF;"
1971 Pocono
500
Firestone Indy 400 Milwauke e style="background:#CFEAFF;"
Ontario Motor Speedwa y
Trenton XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 colspan=16 style="background:#CFCFFF;" 12th style="background:#CFCFFF;" 1,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1972
XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 Trenton style="background:#EFCFFF;" 1972 Indianapolis 500 31 Milwauke e Firestone Indy 400 style="background:#EFCFFF;" 1972 Schaefer 500 31 Milwauke e style="background:#EFCFFF;" Ontario Motor Speedwa y 23 Trenton XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 colspan18 |
- | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1973
Texas World Speedwa y Trenton Trenton style="background:#EFCFFF;" 1973 Indianapolis 500 31 Milwaukee Mile style="background:#EFCFFF;" 1973 Schaefer 500 21 Michigan International Speedwa y Milwaukee Mile Ontario Motor Speedwa y Ontario Motor Speedwa y style="background:#EFCFFF;" Ontario Motor Speedwa y 23 Michigan International Speedwa y Michigan International Speedwa y Trenton Texas World Speedwa y Phoenix International Racewa y colspan=12 |
- | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indianapolis 500 outcomes
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Starting Position | Final Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Brabham | Repco | 33rd | 5th |
| 1970 | McLaren | Offy | 16th | 22nd |
| 1971 | McLaren | Offy | 1st | 2nd |
| 1972 | McLaren | Offy | 2nd | 31st |
| 1973 | McLaren | Offy | 10th | 31st |
| Template:Center | ||||
Full Canadian-American Challenge Cup results
(key) (Races highlighted in bold denote pole positions) (Races in italics signify fastest laps)
| Year | Team | Vehicle | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Ranking | Points Earned | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Drummond Racing | McLaren M1B | Ford | MTR | BRI | MOS | LAG | RIV 6 |
LVG 4 |
10th | 4 | ||||||
| 1967 | Dana Chevrolet Racing | Lola T70 Mk.3 | Chevrolet | ROA Ret |
BRI Ret |
MOS 4 |
LAG Ret |
RIV Ret |
9th | 3 | |||||||
| 1968 | Shelby American Racing | McLaren M6B | Ford | ROA 4 |
BRI Ret |
12th | 3 |
| 1969 | Agapiou Brothers Racing | Ford G7A | Ford | MOS DNS |
MTR DNS |
WGL | EDM | 9th | 30 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbins-Jeffries Racing | Lola T163 | Chevrolet | MOH 7 |
ROA 4 |
BRI Ret |
MCH Ret |
LAG Ret |
RIV 5 |
TWS Ret |
| 1971 | Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team | McLaren M8F | Chevrolet
style = "background-color: #dfdfdf" text-align:center value = "Canadian Tire Motorsport Park MOS" |
style= "background-color: yellow; font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
value= "1st" |
style= "background-color: yellow; font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
value= "142" |
|---|
| 1972 | Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team | McLaren M20 | Chevrolet
style= "background-color: yellow; text-align:center;" value= "Canadian Tire Motorsport Park MOS |
|---|
|- !colspan="17"| |}
See also
References
All work no playboy | Motor Sport Magazine Archive. (2014, November 27). Accessed from All work no playboy
Chang, R. S. (2008, May 29). McQueen's Porsche, but Memories of Another Driver. Retrieved from
(n.d.). Available at [1]
There but for fortune | Motor Sport Magazine Archive. (2014, December 23). Accessed via There but for fortune
External links
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- Pages using small with an empty input parameter
- 1939 births
- 1974 deaths
- American Formula One drivers
- Hotchkiss School alumni
- Cornell University alumni
- Reg Parnell Racing Formula One drivers
- Tyrrell Formula One drivers
- McLaren Formula One drivers
- Shadow Formula One drivers
- Formula One race winners
- Indianapolis 500 drivers
- Indianapolis 500 polesitters
- Trans-Am Series drivers
- Burials at Ferncliff Cemetery
- Racing drivers who died while racing
- International Race of Champions drivers
- Sport deaths in South Africa
- 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers
- Racing drivers from New York City
- World Sportscar Championship drivers
- 24 Hours of Daytona drivers
- Jewish American sportspeople
- 20th-century American Jews
- Revson family