Old Car Trivia #19

[dwasson]

What is this logo?

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/1/4/1/bear.jpeg

[fastblackmerc]

New Zealand land speed mascot.

[dwasson]

This is the Hesketh Racing logo from 1975. This logo is important in the history of Formula 1. Hesketh Racing was owned by Alexander Hesketh, a young British Lord, who really didn't have a clue about racing. However, he knew people. Hesketh hired James Hunt as #1 driver. James Hunt was a glamorous figure and Hesketh Racing got a lot of press due to his good looks.

In 1975 Hesketh Racing could not find a sponsor. Rather than sit the season out, they campaigned with this Teddy Bear logo. They were very popular, seen as the underdogs in Formula 1. Their high-water mark was the 1975 Dutch Grand Prix, where James Hunt beat Niki Lauda's Ferrari to win the race, with a judicious pit stop.

Hesketh was my favorite F1 team.