Dickie Stanford

Richard "Dickie" Stanford (born 9 January 1956) is a British motor racing mechanic who has since become the general manager of Williams Heritage, a company that repairs and maintains retired Williams cars, similar to Classic Team Lotus.

Early life Dickie Stanford was born on 9 January 1956 in Highworth, Wiltshire but grew up in Swindon. At the age of 12, he attended the Race of Champions where he gained his passion for motor racing. When he left school in 1972, Stanford worked in the British Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and was involved in the work of stock-piling in case of war.

Career

Pre-Formula One Along with a friend, Stanford ran a Formula Ford team in the weekends and evenings.

Formula One In 1985, Stanford joined Williams as the Race Mechanic to Nigel Mansell. Three years later, he became a member of the test team and stayed in his role until 1989 and became the chief mechanic in 1990. Stanford became the team manager after his predecessor Ian Harrison left for the Renault BTCC team in late 1995. Stanford remained in his position for a further 10 years before reducing his work to spend more time with his family.