Harry Schell

Interesting facts

Born in Paris to American expatriate parents, his mother Lucy O'Reilly Schell was a wealthy heiress and motorsport enthusiast who ran her own racing team with Delahaye, under the name "Ecurie Bleue." Schell became the first American driver to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix, at Monaco in 1950. The period press described him as a safe, reliable points scorer, though privately he had a reputation as a playboy and womanizer. He died on 13 May 1960 during practice for the BRDC International Trophy at Silverstone: his Cooper slid into the mud at around 100 mph, lost a wheel, somersaulted through the safety barrier and struck a brick wall. Harry Schell made his Formula 1 debut in 1950 and raced until 1960, 11 seasons in total as an American driver. He scored a total of 32 championship points over his career.