Michael "Mike" Johnson Parkes (24 September 1931 – 28 August 1977) was a British racing driver and automotive engineer. Known for his versatility, he competed in Formula One, sports car racing, and endurance events, primarily for Ferrari, during the 1960s. He was also a respected development engineer for several prominent automotive manufacturers.
Early Life and Engineering Career
Born in Richmond, Surrey, Parkes came from a family deeply involved in the automotive industry. His father, Major Arthur Parkes, was a prominent figure at the Rootes Group, a British car manufacturer. Mike Parkes followed in his father's footsteps, developing a strong aptitude for mechanical engineering. He initially worked for the Rootes Group, contributing to vehicle development before establishing his own engineering firm. His technical expertise was highly valued throughout his career, often combining his engineering roles with his racing activities. He was involved in the development of cars such as the Lotus Elite and later made significant contributions to Ferrari's road and race car projects.
Racing Career
Parkes' racing career began in the mid-1950s, initially competing in various domestic events. His natural talent quickly became apparent, leading him to drive for Lotus in sports car races and later for the Rootes Group, competing with Sunbeam Rapier and Sunbeam Alpine models.
Sports Car Racing
Parkes achieved significant success in sports car racing. He joined Scuderia Ferrari as a works driver in 1963 and became a key part of their endurance racing team. His notable achievements include:
- 1964: Second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, sharing a Ferrari 275P with Ludovico Scarfiotti.
- 1965: Won the 1000 km of Monza and the Targa Florio (with Ludovico Scarfiotti).
- 1966: Won the 1000 km of Monza (with John Surtees).
- 1967: Second place at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring (both with Ludovico Scarfiotti).
He was particularly adept at driving Ferrari's large-engined prototypes and GT cars, contributing to multiple World Sportscar Championship victories for the marque.
Formula One
Parkes' Formula One career was brief but impactful, primarily as a Ferrari driver. He made his Grand Prix debut at the 1966 French Grand Prix at Reims, finishing second in a Ferrari 312, a remarkable performance for a debutant. He went on to secure another podium finish, taking second place at the 1966 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. In 1967, he continued with Ferrari in Formula One. However, his promising career was cut short by a severe accident during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Driving a Ferrari 312, he crashed heavily, sustaining serious leg injuries. This incident effectively ended his top-tier racing career.
Post-Racing Life
Following his accident, Parkes never fully recovered to compete at the same level. He continued to work in the automotive industry, applying his engineering knowledge and experience. He returned to the Rootes Group and later joined De Tomaso, where he was involved in various engineering and development projects, including the De Tomaso Pantera.
Death
Mike Parkes died in 1977 at the age of 45 in a road accident in Italy. He left a legacy as a highly respected and versatile figure in motorsport, celebrated for both his driving prowess and his profound engineering contributions.