Tom Walkinshaw, founder of Tom Walkinshaw Racing and former Arrows F1 team owner, died on December 12 at the age of 64 after battling cancer.
He founded TWR in 1975, and by 1983 was very successful in the British Saloon Car Championship, winning 11 times in that season. TWR then focused its efforts on the World Sportscar Championship, winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and the WSC title three times. It was this team that brought Ross Brawn to prominence.
In 1991, Walkinshaw was named Engineering Director of the Benetton F1 team, and was responsible for recruiting a young German named Michael Schumacher from the Jordan team. During Walkinshaw's tenure, the team won the World Driver's Championship in 1994 with Schumacher.
During the 1994 season, Walkinshaw came under scrutiny when the team was investigated for suspected technical infringements. Illegal software was found; however, the FIA chose not to penalize the team due to lack of evidence that it was actually used in a race.
In 1995, Walkinshaw bought half of the struggling Ligier team. He intended to become full owner but didn't secure funding in time, so he pulled out of that deal and instead bought the Arrows team, which he managed until its demise in 2002.
Walkinshaw was named Autocar Man of the Year in 1997, a year which saw TWR employ 1500 workers in the United Kingdom, Sweden and the USA. He was also Managing Director of Arrows GP International during this time.
TWR and Arrows both folded in 2002, with the Australian operation being bought by Holden.
Walkinshaw returned to V8 Supercars three years later, with his former teams HSV Dealer Team and Holden Racing Team, giving Holden its first title wins since 2002 with Rick Kelly in 2006 and Garth Tander in 2007.
Walkinshaw reacquired Holden Racing Team in 2008 and debuted Walkinshaw Racing in 2009. Walkinshaw Racing is a collective of two teams (Bundaberg Red Racing and Team Autobarn).
Walkinshaw made his final appearance at a Formula One event at the 2010 British Grand Prix.
He is survived by his wife Martine, and their two sons Ryan and Sean.
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