Died after a long cancer fight in 2024 after some years of bad health, dying on his beloved island of Elba in Italy. Rupert had a rapid rise to reach Formula 1 with his father Mike helping him both with backing from the family British Air Ferries aviation company, but also with publicity. Rupert started his career in 1973 in Formula Ford, before moving to Formula 3, Formula 2, and then Formula 1 in 1977. In truth. the rise possibly came a bit too quickly as more race experience may have helped him. Keegan was not without considerable talent, as he proved by winning the Aurora AFX British Formula 1 title in 1979. Went into sportscars after Formula 1 before failing to qualify for the 1986 Indianapolis 500, which more or less ended his top-flight career, returning nine years later to race again in sportscars before retiring for good competitively. Rupert had made some appearances at historic events for some while, but ill-health prevented that, but he continued to meet up with his racing friends until almost the end.

Biography last updated 23 Sep 2024