A British racing driver who competed in Formula One and sports car racing, winning the 1963 British Grand Prix. He was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur.
John Cleland is a renowned British auto racing driver, celebrated for his impressive victories in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 1989 and 1995. With a career spanning over three decades, Cleland has established himself as one of the most successful touring car drivers in British motorsport history.
Cleland's journey in motorsport began in the 1970s, where he participated in autocross and hillclimb events. His early success in the Scottish Rally Championship in 1976, driving a Mitsubishi Colt, paved the way for his future achievements.
In the 1980s, Cleland switched to circuit racing, achieving notable success in the British Production Car and Thundersaloon championships. This laid the foundation for his eventual entry into the BTCC in 1989, where he joined Vauxhall and went on to win the championship in his debut season.
Cleland's BTCC success was marked by his dominance in the 1.5l class, where he won 11 out of 13 races in 1989. The following year, he finished second in class to his rival Frank Sytner, and fifth overall. In 1991, he secured Vauxhall's first-ever overall BTCC win.
The 1992 season saw Cleland engage in a fierce battle with Will Hoy and Tim Harvey for the title, but he was denied at the last round due to a controversial collision with Steve Soper. Despite this setback, Cleland continued to perform consistently, finishing fourth overall in 1993 and 1994.
1995 proved to be a breakthrough year for the Cavalier, with Cleland securing his second BTCC championship title.
After retiring from active racing, Cleland went on to become a co-commentator alongside Martin Haven on the English world feed of the World Touring Car Championship.
Throughout his career, Cleland has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to British motorsport. He has won several awards and honors, including two BTCC championships, which remain a testament to his dedication and skill as a racing driver.
John Cleland's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on British motorsport. His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring racing drivers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and enthusiasts alike.
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