A real talent who is largely forgotten now. Killed in a crash in Roskilde, when on the verge of greater things - a F1 deal had already been signed prior to the race and somewhat ironically, Lawton's death led to his good friend Denny Hulme getting a break, as Hulme was offered the F1 chance that Lawton's death left open which was a non-championship Formula 1 race at Snetterton, in the Lombank Trophy for Ken Gregory's BRP team. Lawton began his racing in 1955 in club racing in his homeland before moving over to England in 1960. He won the Norfolk Trophy at Snetterton early on in the year and then enjoyed many strong showings before his passing. Lawton was also known as Joe, to avoid confusion with his father of the same name, who ran a construction firm. Lawton himself also worked as a carpenter.

Biography last updated 9 Jul 2020