Zandvoort was a great setting for a Formula 1 race, but in 1973 it became infamous for the most shameful episode in Grand Prix history.
Formula 1 last visited Zandvoort in 1985, but for many years the Dutch circuit was a regular fixture on the Grand Prix calendar. Its sweeping corners provided a stern test for drivers, made even harder by minimal grip levels. Situated next to the sea, sand would often blow off the surrounding dunes and across the circuit.
In 1973 Zandvoort was once again hosting the Dutch Grand Prix. Among the regulars making the trip was Roger Williamson, preparing to compete in only his second Formula 1 race. His first race, a week earlier at Silverstone, had been a huge disappointment. Early on he was eliminated in a multiple pile-up triggered by Jody Scheckter.
The car Roger was driving in Holland, a March, was paid for by his close friend and mentor Tom Wheatcroft. Tom was many years older than Roger but recognised talent when he saw it. Having made his fortune in the building industry he acquired the Donington Park racing circuit in England. After supporting Roger through the junior formulae they decided to take the giant step into Formula 1.
Also driving a March that weekend was David Purley, an ex-paratrooper who had seen action in Aden. His distinctive black car was sponsored by the family business, Lec Refrigeration. Although not close friends, Roger and David did know each other.
In the race itself the two Marches were running together, with Roger leading David. On the eighth lap Roger’s red car suddenly speared off to the left while trying to negotiate a fast right-hander. A press photo would later reveal that a tyre failure caused the loss of control.
Although the circuit was lined with metal armco barriers some of them had been poorly secured in the soft sand. When the March struck the barrier it bent backwards and launched the car back across the track. When it finally came to rest, at the entrance to the next corner, it was upside down and a small fire had started.
David Purley, having witnessed the crash, pulled over immediately and ran to the aid of his countryman. He would later recall that, when he got to the car, he could hear Roger pleading with him to get him out. Despite summoning marshals for assistance in turning the car over no-one came forward to help. Indeed, one marshal tried to pull him away. Meanwhile the fire began to take hold. Around the world TV cameras beamed live images of the scene as the whole ghastly episode unfolded.
Despite the enormous plume of smoke coming from the far side of the circuit the race was not stopped. Purley tried to wave down other drivers to help but to no avail. Later they would say that, as Purley’s car was parked out of their line of sight, they assumed Purley had crashed and was trying to extinguish a fire on his own car.
A nearby fire truck could have dealt with the fire easily but, instead of driving against the flow of traffic, the driver insisted on doing an agonisingly slow lap of the circuit. By the time it arrived it was far too late. Spectators who tried to climb a fence and help Purley were beaten back by police.
Finally, even David Purley had to concede defeat. He had tried everything but it was in vain. Such were his efforts to push over the burning car that he ruptured blood vessels in both of his arms. For his courage he would be presented with the George Medal, the highest civilian award for bravery, but it was little consolation. In a final act of callousness the March was covered with a sheet, with Roger still inside, until the race had finished. An investigation would reveal that he died of asphyxiation, but was otherwise uninjured.
Roger Williamson is remembered today at Donington Park, where a statue of him stands outside, unveiled to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death by his old friend Tom Wheatcroft. Several of his cars can be seen on display in the Donington Collection.
