Don Nichols has died

Don Nichols, the founder of the Shadow Racing team, died this Monday, August 21 at the age of 92 in California. The American began his career in Japan after World War II as a tire salesman and later participated in the development of the Fuji circuit.

After returning to the USA in 1968, Don Nichols developed his first racing cars with his company Advanced Vehicle Systems, notably with the Mk.1 entered in the 1970 Can-Am season. The Shadow Racing team then moved without much success to Formula 5000 before moving on to F1 from 1973. Shadow Racing, which notably supplies chassis to Embassy Hill (Graham Hill's structure), began with Jackie Oliver and George Follmer.

Jean-Pierre Jarier subsequently defended the interests of the American team in 1975 while Tom Pryce won in the Race of Champions contested at Brands Hatch (Great Britain), which did not prevent the main sponsor Universal Oil products to withdraw. Alan Jones will replace the Briton who died in 1977 at the South African GP in Kyalami and will offer the American team its only F1 victory at the Austrian GP on the since-renowned Österreichring. Red Bull ring.

Shadow Racing evolved until 1980. Its best result in the Manufacturers' Championship was a 6th place in 1975.