Tony Rolt

Tony Rolt (October 16, 1918 - February 6, 2008): A British racing driver and war hero from Bordon, Hampshire, Rolt had a remarkable life both on and off the racetrack. He participated in three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix between 1950 and 1955. Before his racing career, Rolt was a tank commander during World War II and became a prisoner of war, making multiple escape attempts including from Colditz Castle. After the war, he found success in sports car racing, winning the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Jaguar C-Type alongside Duncan Hamilton.

Beyond driving, Rolt was an accomplished engineer and inventor, developing the Ferguson four-wheel drive system used in racing and road cars. His contributions to both motorsport and automotive technology extended well beyond his driving career.