Derek Pingel

15/1/1958

Record updated 15-Jan-07

Australian Formula 2 driver who retired in 1988. However he deceided to return to the series in 2005, finishing third and then taking the title in 2006.

Derek Pingel from Gatton, Queensland, Australia, founded Pingel Homes in 1979. Since then he has been involved in a variety of business ventures and operations throughout South East Queensland. His prestigious homes, designed and constructed by Pingel Homes, have won in excess of 100 industry awards.

He drove in Australian Formla 2 in the 1980s winning races but never a title and quit racing in 1988 to concentrate on his business interests. However he returned in 2004 for two races in the now renamed Formula 4000 series.

He stayed with the series in 2005 and, with his 95D Reynard, finished 3rd in the Championship.

In 2006 he finally achieved his ambition and took the title against drivers who were not even born when he stated racing. He c linched the 2006 Yokohama Australian Formula 4000 Drivers Championship at the final round of the series at Wakefield Park. He won 10 of the 16 races with Ty Hanger, his rival all season, winning the other six events.



hr