Mike Sparken

Michel Poberejsky (16 June 1930 - 21 September 2012): French racing driver from Neuilly-sur-Seine who raced under the pseudonym 'Mike Sparken' and participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree, finishing seventh (nine laps down) and scoring no championship points. Sparken is better remembered for his success in sports car racing, particularly in North African events, where he won races at Agadir, Oulton Park, and Goodwood in 1955 with a Ferrari 750 Monza. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine in the Paris suburbs to parents of eastern European emigré origin, Poberejsky adopted the racing pseudonym 'Mike Sparken'—a practice common among drivers seeking international appeal or wishing to obscure their ethnic backgrounds during an era of widespread prejudice.

The name 'Sparken' was catchy and memorable, helping him establish an identity in motorsport. Sparken came to notice in minor French national events in 1952, competing in various categories and gradually building experience. His breakthrough came in 1952 when he won a touring-car race at Montlhéry—the historic banked oval circuit south of Paris—driving an Aston Martin DB2. The victory at Montlhéry, one of France's premier circuits, brought Sparken recognition and opportunities.

Sparken's Formula One opportunity came at the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree on 16 July. Driving in a poorly-supported entry, Sparken qualified near the back of the grid and struggled throughout the race. He completed the full race distance but finished seventh, nine laps behind race winner Stirling Moss. While classified as a finisher, the result was uncompetitive, and no further Formula One opportunities materialized.

One entry, one start, one finish, zero points—Sparken's Formula One career was over. However, 1955 was Sparken's breakthrough year in sports car racing. Armed with a brand new Ferrari 750 Monza—one of Ferrari's beautiful four-cylinder sports racing cars—Sparken opened his account with three consecutive victories at Agadir (Morocco), Oulton Park (England), and Goodwood (England). The three-race winning streak established Sparken as a force in sports car racing, particularly in events held in North Africa where he would achieve his greatest successes.

Much of Sparken's sports car success came in events in North Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, where racing was popular during the 1950s before the region's political upheavals. North African races attracted European competitors seeking warm weather racing during winter months, and Sparken became a regular winner in these events. His familiarity with North African circuits gave him advantages over visiting Europeans. Throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, Sparken continued competing in sports car racing with various manufacturers, achieving victories and podiums in both European and North African events.

His career demonstrated the possibilities for drivers willing to compete in less prestigious events away from the European mainstream. In the 1980s, Sparken emerged as a collector of historic racing cars. He owned the ex-Lord Doane Alfa Romeo 8C2900B coupe, one of the most valuable and significant pre-war Alfa Romeos in existence. The 8C2900B was a stunning car, both mechanically sophisticated and aesthetically beautiful, and Sparken's ownership demonstrated his appreciation for automotive history.

Eventually, Sparken traded the Alfa 8C2900B coupe to the Alfa Romeo museum in exchange for an Alfa Romeo 158 Grand Prix car—the 'Alfetta' that dominated the first two seasons of the Formula One World Championship (1950-1951) with drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Giuseppe Farina. The trade gave Sparken a historically significant Grand Prix car in exchange for a road car, reflecting his passion for racing machinery. Sparken passed away on 21 September 2012 at age 82. His death received coverage in French motorsport publications celebrating his sports car racing successes and his role as a collector of historic Alfa Romeos.

Obituaries noted his three consecutive victories in 1955 with the Ferrari 750 Monza and his later acquisition of the Alfa 158 Grand Prix car. Known for racing under the pseudonym 'Mike Sparken,' seventh place at the 1955 British Grand Prix nine laps down, three consecutive sports car victories in 1955 with Ferrari 750 Monza, extensive success in North African racing events, ownership of the ex-Lord Doane Alfa 8C2900B which he traded for an Alfa 158 Grand Prix car, and longevity (living to 82), Mike Sparken/Michel Poberejsky represents drivers whose modest Formula One results mask more successful careers in other categories. His sports car victories and historic car collecting demonstrated passion for motorsport beyond any single race result.