Ralf Schumacher’s announcement that he is gay reminds Peter Grimsdale about the life of a leading figure of Britain’s early motor racing scene
Grand prix motor racing may have always looked like a bastion of heterosexuality, but there was one memorable dissenter (Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher comes out as gay, 15 July). Raymond Mays, who co-founded both English Racing Automobiles and British Racing Motors from in his family home in Bourne, Lincolnshire, made no attempt to hide his sexual preferences during his 30 years behind the wheel.
As a pupil at Oundle school he annoyed the headmaster with his preference for matching blue socks and handkerchief, and developed passions for both motor racing and the music hall. He chose the former and went on to become one of the founding fathers of Britain’s burgeoning Formula One industry, but among his many racing trophies he always proudly displayed a silver cup from a dance competition at the Casino ballroom in Skegness.
Peter Grimsdale
Author of High Performance: When Britain Ruled the Roads