Ray Reed

Raymond Robert Reed (25 January 1932 - 21 February 1970): Rhodesian racing driver who competed in a single Formula One World Championship race and was killed in a plane crash at age 38. Born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), Reed was one of the few African-born drivers to compete in Formula One during the sport's early decades. He raced primarily in Southern African events throughout the 1960s, competing in saloon cars, sports cars, and single-seaters in the vibrant South African racing scene. Reed made his only World Championship appearance at the 1965 South African Grand Prix at East London, driving a Lotus-Climax 24.

He qualified 18th but retired from the race after just five laps with engine failure, never scoring a World Championship point. Despite his brief F1 career, Reed was a respected competitor in South African national racing, competing regularly against drivers like John Love, Sam Tingle, and other local stars. He continued racing in various categories through the late 1960s, achieving success in regional championship events. Reed's life was cut short when he died in a plane crash on 21 February 1970 near Salisbury at age 38.

The circumstances of the crash reflected the dangerous era of private aviation, when many racing drivers also piloted their own aircraft. Reed is remembered as part of the small group of Rhodesian and African drivers who competed at the highest levels of motorsport during an era when international travel and competition were particularly challenging for drivers from that region. Known for: Being one of the few Rhodesian-born Formula One drivers, competing in the African racing scene during the 1960s, and tragically dying in a plane crash at age 38.