Tommy Byrne, who? Motor Sports

Jay · 21st March 2017, 18:48

BBCi Player 'Crash and Burn'

Documentary about the meteroic rise and spectacular fall of Tommy Byrne who, for a brief moment in the 1980s, some considered the world's greatest motor racing driver.
Available for 29 days.
Duration
60 mins

I never heard of Tommy Byrne before now. Early footage with him a Senna etc

I think he was the Alex 'Hurricane Higgins' of motorsport.

To go that far from humble beginnings against the elite.

clf · 21st March 2017, 19:41

I can vaguely remember him at the time, but never thought or looked into him, thinking he was a pay driver at the time. Unfortunately for him, I feel he was a generation too late in the F1 world. I can see a lot of similarities to James Hunt(even Alan Jones), but James Hunt accepted to a certain degree, the corporate side, doing it mostly on his terms, but with politeness. But both those guys were able to get financial backing through their contacts of which Tommy Byrne had none. I do wonder if Tommy Byrne had a different accent, he may have got away with it (attitudes of the era were a little prejudiced, John Watson and Derek Daly all had money lol).

There has been talk too, that Ron Dennis had the McLaren 'turned down' a little. Seeing the film, his driving reminded me of Gilles Villeneuve, but then I guess he had Marlboro as backing, and they were the major sponsor of McLaren and Ferrari at the time. Hunt was a nightmare for them, whereas Villeneuve was a family man.

Jay · 21st March 2017, 23:52

Am I almost the only one to think this guy could have been a great F1 Champion if it wasn't all down to the class system and snobbery

clf · 22nd March 2017, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

Am I almost the only one to think this guy could have been a great F1 Champion if it wasn't all down to the class system and snobbery

Yes Lol. I think he could've been a champion, a great one? Not sure of that on the pinnacle of the sport. Am f 1 champion has to be a role model for the next generation, but who knows, if may have buckled down had he got into a competitive car.

I did get the feeling from what he said, that he felt that most of the time, it was always someone else's fault. Quite often it could've been, and drivers at this level have to be selfish. But you can still have a little humility and hold your games up sometimes and say 'I messed up'

Imagine him more corporate, and you would have Lewis Hamilton. A champion, but I'm my view not a great one.
sent from my ZT

coolcat · 22nd March 2017, 07:46

Don't really remember the name so I shall download it and give it a watch

21st March 2017, 18:48	#1
Jay This is my second home Small....Far away Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norwich Posts: 9,473 Thanks: 2,707 Thanked 2,060 Times in 1,194 Posts	Tommy Byrne, who? Motor Sports BBCi Player 'Crash and Burn' Documentary about the meteroic rise and spectacular fall of Tommy Byrne who, for a brief moment in the 1980s, some considered the world's greatest motor racing driver. Available for 29 days. Duration 60 mins I never heard of Tommy Byrne before now. Early footage with him a Senna etc I think he was the Alex 'Hurricane Higgins' of motorsport. To go that far from humble beginnings against the elite. __________________ ~Karma will help or hinder you. Therefore look positive for this day~

21st March 2017, 19:41	#2
clf This is my second home MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: carrick Posts: 7,859 Thanks: 3,494 Thanked 2,657 Times in 1,973 Posts	I can vaguely remember him at the time, but never thought or looked into him, thinking he was a pay driver at the time. Unfortunately for him, I feel he was a generation too late in the F1 world. I can see a lot of similarities to James Hunt(even Alan Jones), but James Hunt accepted to a certain degree, the corporate side, doing it mostly on his terms, but with politeness. But both those guys were able to get financial backing through their contacts of which Tommy Byrne had none. I do wonder if Tommy Byrne had a different accent, he may have got away with it (attitudes of the era were a little prejudiced, John Watson and Derek Daly all had money lol). There has been talk too, that Ron Dennis had the McLaren 'turned down' a little. Seeing the film, his driving reminded me of Gilles Villeneuve, but then I guess he had Marlboro as backing, and they were the major sponsor of McLaren and Ferrari at the time. Hunt was a nightmare for them, whereas Villeneuve was a family man. __________________ It is not gloss primer .............. it is duct tape silver!

21st March 2017, 23:52	#3
Jay This is my second home Small....Far away Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norwich Posts: 9,473 Thanks: 2,707 Thanked 2,060 Times in 1,194 Posts	Am I almost the only one to think this guy could have been a great F1 Champion if it wasn't all down to the class system and snobbery __________________ ~Karma will help or hinder you. Therefore look positive for this day~

22nd March 2017, 07:46	#5
coolcat This is my second home Audi Q3 TDI S-Line Quattro Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clacton On Sea/On the boat somewhere Posts: 51,135 Thanks: 9,890 Thanked 12,235 Times in 8,232 Posts	Don't really remember the name so I shall download it and give it a watch __________________ Jeff.