Ludwig Heimrath Sr

11/8/1934 - 29/3/2021

Record updated 25-Aug-21

German-born Canadian racing driver. He won the Trans-Am Series championship in 1977, becoming the first person born outside the United States to win the championship since Horst Kwech in 1966.

Born in in Scarborough, Canada, Ludwig is one of the best drivers to come out of his country. He won the Canadian Sports Car Championship in 1961 (the first year of this championship) and again in 1964. He also finished runner up in the series in 1962, 1963 and 1965.

When in 1963, Peter Broeker decided to enter his Stebro in the US Grand Prix, he wanted the best Canadian drivers to represent him. He thus hired Ernie deVos and Ludwig Heimrath to join him in a three car team. Unfortunatly he could not come up with three cars

Broeker proposed that he started the race and then hand over to whoever was the quicker of DeVos and Heimrath. Ludwig declined his offer and he never had another opportunity to race in F1.

He continued to race and in 1968 and 1969 he entered the USAC championship however he had little success.

In 1970 he tried his hand in the Canadian Formula A Championship (actually F5000). But did not have the right equipment he therefor decided to return to sports cars and long distance races participating in the Sebring 12 Hour race, the Daytona 24 hours and 24 hours of Le Mans.

Though he failed to score any wins he did take the Trans-Am title in 1977 and 1979.

His son Ludwig Jr raced in the IRL series.

Ludwig Heimrath Sr continued to participate in local endurance events up untill his 70s.

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