Hap Sharp

James "Hap" Sharp (January 1, 1928 in Tulsa, Oklahoma – May 7, 1993) was an American race car driver who drove in six Formula One grands prix. But he was best known as co-owner and driver of the revolutionary Chaparral sports racing cars built by Jim Hall and Sharp in Midland, Texas. In 1962 Jim Hall and Hap Sharp formed Chaparral Cars, Inc. and immediately began the design and construction of Chaparral 2, a mid-engined car with an aerospace inspired semi-monocoque fiberglass chassis.

Sharp's record while driving for Chaparral:

1962 Road America 500, Hall and Sharp 1st - Chaparral 1

1964 USRRC Kent, Sharp 2nd - Chaparral 2 USRRC Greenwood, Sharp fastest lap - Chaparral 2 USRRC Mid-Ohio, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2 Nassau Speed Week, Sharp/Penske 1st - Chaparral 2

1965 Sebring, Hall/Sharp fastest lap and 1st - Chaparral 2 USRRC Riverside, Sharp fastest lap and 2nd - Chaparral 2 Bridgehampton, Sharp 2nd - Chaparral 2 USRRC Watkins Glen, Sharp 2nd - Chaparral 2 FIA Mr. Tremblant, Canada, Sharp 3rd - Chaparral 2 USRRC Kent, Sharp fastest lap and 2nd - Chaparral 2 USRRC Continental Divide, CO, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2 USRRC Mid-Ohio, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2 Road America 500 Hall/Sharp/Hissom 1st, Hall/Sharp/Jennigs 2nd - Chaparral 2 Bridgehampton, Sharp fastest lap and 1st - Chaparral 2 Kent WA, Sharp 2nd - Chaparral 2C Laguna Seca, Sharp fastest lap and 2nd - Chaparral 2 Riverside, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2 Las Vegas, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2 Nassau, Sharp 1st - Chaparral 2C

Sharp retired from driving after the 1965 season.

His nickname "Hap" came from "Happy New Year", in connection with his date of birth. He committed suicide in 1993 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Complete Formula One World Championship results

(key)

External links

• Chaparral Cars website