Jaguar Racing

Jaguar’s racing history started during the 1950s. The company decided to participate in the Le Mans racing with the production of XK-120. Even though the car failed to win in its initial race, the very next year was historic for Jaguar. With the production of the C-Type car of XK120, the company went on to win the Le Mans. Jaguar won again in Le Mans in 1953 and again from 1955 to 1958. It was the Ferrari of 1960s that ended the run of brilliance of then Jaguar D-type. It was only in 1988 Jaguar came again to win with the XJR-9LM edition. Up to date, Jaguar is yet to win another Le Mans race.

It was during the year 2000 that Jaguar decided to join the very competitive F1 racing. Jaguar bought the team previously owned by Jackie Stewart and the name Stewart Grand Prix Formula One Team was renamed to Jaguar Racing. The engines of the F1 racing car featured the Jaguar R series for its chassis and features Cosworth Engines. The team was in high hopes as they hire runner up finisher Eddie Irvine. Also a good addition to the team was the former driver for the Stewart, Johnny Herbert. However, the company has little to no success during the Jaguars stint in Formula 1 racing. Jaguar, racing in its four years stint, never won the Constructor’s Championship, Drivers Championship or even a starting pole position in any of its races. The best finish of the team during its stint was 2002 with Irvine finishing 9th place. Clearly, Jaguar’s place in racing history seemed to be non-existent because of mismanagement of the team and its resources.

Ford, its parent company decided to end its F1 race in after the 2004 season. The Jaguar Racing team was purchased and replaced by Red Bull for the 2005 season.