Ian Raby

Ian Ewart Raby (1927 - November 1967): British racing driver from Woolwich, London, who competed in Formula One in 1963 and was known for racing cars bearing the name 'Puddle Jumper' on their sides. Started racing around 1953, driving an assortment of cars throughout the 1950s as an enthusiastic privateer competitor. Acquired the ex-Keith Greene Gilby-BRM Formula One car at the start of the 1960s, entering three World Championship events in 1963. Made his Formula One World Championship debut at the 1963 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, qualifying 19th out of 23 entrants.

Retired from the British Grand Prix after 59 laps when his Gilby-BRM suffered gearbox failure, a frustrating end to his championship debut. Attempted to qualify for the 1963 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring but failed to make the grid in the uncompetitive Gilby-BRM. Also failed to qualify for the 1963 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, ending his World Championship season with just one race start. Achieved his best result at the non-championship Rome Grand Prix at Vallelunga on 9 May 1963, finishing third in the Gilby-BRM and demonstrating his capabilities in lesser events.

Switched to an ex-works Brabham BT3 with a BRM V8 engine for 1964, upgrading his machinery in hopes of improved competitiveness. Continued racing through the mid-1960s in various British national events and non-championship Formula One races. Suffered a serious crash at Zandvoort, Netherlands, in July 1967 during a racing event, sustaining severe injuries. Succumbed to his injuries at the start of November 1967 after months of fighting for survival following the Zandvoort accident.

Died at age 40, becoming another victim of the dangerous racing conditions that characterized motorsport throughout the 1960s. Though his Formula One career consisted of just one championship race start, Raby was a dedicated privateer racer who competed for the love of motorsport despite limited resources. His 'Puddle Jumper' nickname and the inscription on his cars reflected his cheerful approach to racing, maintaining enthusiasm despite competing with outdated machinery against better-funded teams.