James Hunt and Hesketh: The serious racers behind the playboy image

On this episode (the final episode in season 1 of the podcast) Matt and Richard tell the tale of James Hunt and Hesketh Racing - perhaps the ultimate underdog success story in Formula 1 history.   They explain how a small, privateer racing team with a crash-prone driver rose to prominence in the 1970s, culminating with them beating the might of Ferrari to take victory at the 1975 Dutch Grand Prix. Their reputation is one of party loving playboys, but is that an entirely fair representation of the team? In discussing that, Matt and Richard look at the back stories of the 'real racers' at the team's heart: Colourful founder Lord Alexander Hesketh, his equally colourful right-hand man, Antony 'Bubbles' Horsley, and the man they called 'Doc', designer Harvey Postlethwaite. And there are also plenty of thoughts on James Hunt - a man whose reputation off-track, Matt and Richard argue, has led many to overlook (and underrate) his considerable talents as a driver. And make sure you listen until the end to hear about Matt's remarkable run-in (or should that be near run-in?) with Hunt in 1993. Join The Race Members Club for additional podcast content! Click here to sign up Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

And Colossally That’s History! (the name a reference to a famous line of Murray Walker commentary) is the podcast that takes an unadulterated look at the earth-shattering events, epic sagas and huge characters that have shaped motor racing history.  From Grand Prix racing as a tool of the Nazi war machine to how Ayrton Senna’s death shaped modern F1, hosts Matt Bishop and Richard Williams will discuss and dissect these topics as only they can, bringing new insight and fresh perspectives that help explain how motor racing moved from niche past-time to the multi-billion-dollar sporting spectacle of today.