Chris Lawrence (racing driver)

Chris Lawrence (born 27 July 1933, died 13 August 2011) was a British racing driver and engineer. He is most famously known for being the creator and driver of the Deep Sanderson racing cars.

Lawrence started his racing career in the 1950s, primarily driving Morgan sports cars. He gained valuable experience in hill climbs and club racing events. This experience led him to pursue his own racing car designs.

In 1961, he founded Deep Sanderson, a small racing car manufacturing company. The company's name was derived from a local landmark near his home. He designed and built a series of Deep Sanderson cars, often utilizing BMC (British Motor Corporation) components. These cars competed in various racing events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Lawrence competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on several occasions, primarily driving Deep Sanderson cars. Though success was limited due to reliability issues, the innovative designs of his cars garnered attention. One particular Deep Sanderson 301, driven by Lawrence and Chris Spender in 1963, became notable for its aerodynamic design.

After Deep Sanderson, Lawrence continued to be involved in motorsport, though his focus shifted more towards engineering and development. He remained a respected figure within the British racing scene throughout his life. His contribution to British motorsport, particularly his innovative approach to racing car design, is remembered.