Ted Toleman

South African motorsport team principal and founder (1938–2024)

Professional motor racing team entrepreneur

Norman Edward Toleman (14 March 1938 – 10 April 2024) was the British principal and founder of the Toleman Formula One team.^[1]

Biography

Toleman, originally a car transporter businessman in Essex, had a varied life that intersected with multiple industries. Adopted as a child, he later ventured into agriculture, managing a banana farm and a restaurant in South Africa. He relocated after his son Gary was fatally shot by carjackers there in 2003.^[2] Toleman's brother Bob died in a Formula Ford accident at Snetterton Circuit in 1976.^[3]

Besides working as a racing advisor, Toleman participated in Australia's Mini Challenge Series for a period as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Dakar Rally.^[3]^[4] Beyond racing, he maintained interests in powerboating and yachting. Toleman also pursued business ventures in both Australia and the Philippines.^[1]

Toleman died from a heart attack in the Philippines, on 10 April 2024, at the age of 86.^[5]^[6]

Toleman Motorsport

After notable success in junior racing categories, Toleman Racing and its operation made their debut in Formula One during the early 1980s. They played a pivotal role in launching the career of Ayrton Senna, who later became an iconic figure in the sport.

Senna's debut in Formula One came with Toleman Racing, and it was a memorable entry. In the rain-soaked Monaco Grand Prix of his rookie season in 1984, Senna showcased his talent by driving the Toleman car to an impressive second place, marking the team's best-ever Formula One result.

Throughout the 1984 season, Senna and Toleman Racing continued to impress, securing two more podium finishes in Great Britain and Portugal. Additionally, they clinched a remarkable pole position at the 1985 German Grand Prix, with Teo Fabi excelling in challenging weather conditions.

Despite Toleman's relatively short stint in Formula One, spanning five seasons and accumulating 26 championship points, the team left a lasting impact. In 1986, Toleman Racing transitioned to Benetton after being sold, leading to the team's rebranding for the subsequent campaign.

Toleman Racing also provided opportunities for several notable Formula One drivers, including Brian Henton, Derek Warwick, Bruno Giacomelli, Johnny Cecotto, Stefan Johansson, Pierluigi Martini, and Piercarlo Ghinzani.

Moreover, Toleman Racing served as a launching pad for esteemed engineers in Formula One, such as Rory Byrne and Pat Symonds, who embarked on their illustrious careers with other teams.^[7]

References

^ ^a ^b "Profile". oldracingcars.com. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
^ Davies, Catriona (18 October 2003). "Ex-racing chief's son shot dead by thieves". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
^ ^a ^b Smith, Damien (11 April 2024). "Obituary: F1 team founder Ted Toleman dies aged 86". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
^ Boddy, Bill (January 1989). "Toleman's Enduro". Motor Sport. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
^ "In Memoriam Ted Toleman". Autosport.nl. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
^ "Ted Toleman obituary: Formula One impresario who gave Ayrton Senna his first drive". The Times. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
^ "Former F1 team boss Ted Toleman passes away aged 86". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.