Les Leston

Les Leston (16 December 1920 - 13 May 2012): British racing driver and businessman from Bulwell, Nottinghamshire who participated in two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, the 1956 and 1957 British Grands Prix, achieving a best finish of seventh in 1956 but scoring no championship points. Leston is better remembered as a pioneering businessman who created one of the first motorsport safety equipment and accessories companies, Les Leston Ltd, which became synonymous with racing gloves, helmets, and driving equipment. Born in Nottinghamshire, Leston served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, an experience that gave him both technical skills and an understanding of safety equipment that would later prove crucial.

After the war, he began racing motorcycles before switching to cars in the early 1950s. Leston competed in various British national races, initially driving a Cooper-Bristol and later Connaughts, showing competitive pace without achieving major victories. He made his Formula One debut at the 1956 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, driving a Connaught-Alta for the small British constructor. Starting from 20th on the grid, Leston drove a solid race to finish seventh, though outside the points which only extended to fifth place at the time.

He returned to the British Grand Prix in 1957, again driving a Connaught, but retired after 36 laps with engine failure. These two races would constitute his entire Formula One World Championship career, though he competed in various non-championship Formula One races during the same period. While Leston's driving career was modest, his business acumen proved exceptional. Recognizing that motorsport safety equipment was primitive and poorly designed, he established Les Leston Ltd in the 1950s to manufacture and sell specialized racing equipment.

The company became the leading British supplier of racing gloves, which bore Leston's distinctive logo—a checkered flag design. Les Leston gloves were worn by countless racing drivers from club racers to Formula One World Champions, and the brand became synonymous with quality motorsport accessories. Leston expanded the product line to include helmets, driving shoes, overalls, and various car accessories. Les Leston Ltd also sold steering wheels, gear knobs, and other automotive accessories to the general public, making motorsport-style equipment available to everyday drivers.

The company's mail-order catalog became essential reading for motorsport enthusiasts, and Leston shops appeared on high streets across Britain. Beyond safety equipment, Les Leston Ltd pioneered the merchandising of motorsport, selling team stickers, badges, and memorabilia decades before such commercialization became standard. Leston understood that motorsport fans wanted to feel connected to the sport, and his company provided that connection. The business thrived for decades, though it eventually faced competition from larger sporting goods companies.

Leston himself remained active in the business through the 1970s and 1980s, gradually stepping back as he aged. He sold the company, and while it continued operating, the brand eventually faded as new competitors emerged. However, vintage Les Leston equipment—especially the iconic gloves and steering wheels—remain highly collectible among classic car enthusiasts, testament to the brand's quality and heritage. Beyond his business interests, Leston remained involved in motorsport through the 1960s and 1970s as a team manager and advisor.

He worked with various British racing teams, providing both financial support and logistical expertise. His experience as both driver and businessman gave him unique insights into the challenges facing teams. Leston lived to the remarkable age of 91, passing away on 13 May 2012. His death was noted in motorsport publications, with obituaries celebrating both his racing career and his contributions to motorsport safety and commercialization.

Many tributes mentioned that drivers owed their lives to improved safety equipment, an industry that Leston had helped establish. Known for his business acumen, understanding of safety equipment, practical approach to motorsport, and ability to identify market opportunities, Les Leston represents an important figure in motorsport's commercial development. While his two Formula One starts are a footnote, his company's impact on making motorsport safer and more accessible to fans and participants alike constitutes a lasting legacy that extended far beyond any racing achievements.