Keith Greene (24 September 1938 – 28 August 2021) was a British racing driver who competed in Formula One, sports car racing, and endurance events during the late 1950s and 1960s.
Early life and career
Born in London, England, Greene began karting in his teenage years before progressing to Formula Junior in the mid‑1950s. His early successes in junior formulas led to opportunities in higher‑profile series.
Formula One
Greene entered Formula One as a privateer, making his World Championship debut at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix driving a Cooper-Climax. Over the course of his Formula One career, he entered a total of nine World Championship Grands Prix, qualifying for six of them. He did not score championship points, but his participation contributed to the era’s growing privateer presence.
Sports car and endurance racing
In addition to single‑seaters, Greene achieved notable results in sports car competition. He raced for teams such as Scuderia Filipinetti and Cooper Campari, often piloting Lotus and Cooper chassis. Highlights include:
- A podium finish (third) at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans in the S 750 class, co‑driving with Moises Soler in a Lotus 23.
- Victory in the 1964 Targa Florio in the S 750 class alongside co‑driver Jo Siffert.
- Multiple class wins in the World Sportscar Championship events throughout the mid‑1960s.
Later life
After retiring from active competition in the late 1960s, Greene remained involved in motorsport as a team manager and consultant. He contributed to driver development programs and occasionally served as a steward at racing events. Greene also pursued business interests outside of racing, including automotive parts distribution.
Death
Keith Greene passed away on 28 August 2021 at the age of 82. His contributions to British motor racing, particularly as a privateer driver during a formative period for the sport, are recognized by historic racing societies and enthusiasts.
