Paul Warwick
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Paul Jason Warwick (born January 29, 1969 in Alresford, Hampshire, England - died July 21, 1991 at Oulton Park race circuit, Cheshire) from Alresford, Hampshire, England was an English racing driver.
Warwick died in a crash at Oulton Park racing circuit, England whilst contesting the fifth round of the British Formula 3000 championship. The car left the circuit at the notorious Knickerbrook right hand corner and slammed almost perpendicular into the outer circuit armco barrier at 140 miles per hour (approximately 224 km/h). The car disintegrated and Warwick was ejected from the car in the accident. Investigations concluded a front right hand lower wishbone failure caused the crash.
Warwick spent three seasons from 1988 to 1990 in British Formula 3. In 1988, he raced for Eddie Jordan Racing; 1989 Intersport Racing; 1990 Superpower. Despite being a pre-season championship contender, Paul failed to make the impact on the British championship that he would have liked. Mid-season 1990 he quit Formula 3 and contested some Formula 3000 races in the Leyton House backed March Formula 3000 team. The car was poor and Warwick was unable to shine at the rounds he contested, however, he seemed to adapt to the series' power increase well. The rounds he took part in were at Brands Hatch, Birmingham, Le Mans and Nogaro. In 1991 he signed with Nigel Mansell's Mansell Madgwick British Formula 2 racing team.
The 1991 season was perfect for Paul Warwick. He scored five pole positions and five wins from five races. Paul perished at the fifth event but the win was awarded posthumously as he was leading the race when the accident took place. Paul scored enough points in the races he contested to allow him to win the British Formula 3000 championship.
In 1991 an award was set up by Autosport magazine named the Paul Warwick Memorial Trophy that was awarded to the seasons best British young racing driver. David Coulthard was the inaugural winner in 1991.
The main entrance bridge at Oulton Park is named in his memory. In addition, the Knickerbrook corner was slowed by the addition of a chicane.
Paul Warwick was the younger brother of Derek Warwick.
