Thomas Cuthbert Harrison was a British racing driver, entrepreneur and automotive pioneer whose influence extended far beyond the race track. Born on 6 July 1906 in Ecclesall, Sheffield, Harrison became one of the early competitors in Formula One while simultaneously building a business that would become one of the most recognised names in British motor retailing.
Driver Bio
| Nationality | British |
| Birthplace | Ecclesall, England, UK |
| Born | 6 July 1906 |
| Died | 21 January 1981 |
| First Grand Prix | 1950 British Grand Prix |
| Last Grand Prix | 1950 Italian Grand Prix |
| Years Active | 1950 |
| Current/Last Team | ERA |
A passionate motorsport enthusiast, Harrison competed during the formative years of international Grand Prix racing. He took part in three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, making his debut on 13 May 1950 during the inaugural season of the World Championship. Although he did not score championship points, simply reaching Formula One at a time when the sport was still in its infancy was a notable achievement, placing him among the select group of drivers who helped shape the early history of the championship.
While his racing career earned him a place in the Formula One record books, Harrison’s greatest legacy was arguably built in business. Combining his love of automobiles with entrepreneurial ambition, he founded T.C. Harrison, a motor dealership that would grow into one of the United Kingdom’s most respected automotive retail groups. The company became particularly associated with Ford and developed a strong reputation for customer service, quality and long-term success within the British motor industry.
Harrison’s dual career as both a racer and a businessman reflected the spirit of many motorsport pioneers of the era—individuals who viewed racing not only as competition but also as an extension of their passion for engineering, innovation, and the motor trade.
A proud Yorkshireman throughout his life, Harrison remained closely connected to Sheffield, the city where he was born and where he would spend much of his life. He passed away there on 21 January 1981 at the age of 74.
Grand Prix Stats
| Race Entries | 3 |
| Race Starts | 3 |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Best Race Start | 14th |
| Best Race Finish | 7th |
| Retirements | 2 |
| First-Lap Retirements | 1 |
| Not Classified | 0 |
| Disqualified | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
Qualifying
| Qualifying Sessions | 3 |
| Reached Q3 | 0 |
| Q2 Eliminations | 0 |
| Q1 Eliminations | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
Stats by Season
| Year | Constructor | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Pts Finishes | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | ERA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | NC |
