Legendary racer Dave Charlton passed away on Sunday afternoon, 24 February, aged 76. He may not be well known to many South Africans today, but he is one of the most successful racing drivers of his time. His claim to fame, aside from winning SA titles from 1970 to 1975, was the 13 Formula One Grands Prix he contested.
Charlie, as he was affectionately known, won the first race he ever competed in at East London Grand Prix circuit in 1960, and also won his last race (a charity celebrity event at Zwartkops Raceway in 1990).
His first F1 GP was in SA in 1965. He took his best finish at Kyalami in 1970, finishing 12th in a Lotus 49C. He did make a brief foray into the European racing scene and even partnered Emerson Fittipaldi in the official Lotus team at the 1971 British Grand Prix.
He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Vermaak and Michelle Charlton, and a month-old grand-daughter, Anna Vermaak.
A memorial service for Dave will be held on Wednesday, 27 February, at 10h00 at Fourways Memorial Park, 1 Inchanga Road, Fourways, Johannesburg.