Longtime Formula One fan are certainly familiar with the name Tom Kristensen. Kristensen holds the record for Formula One wins, with an impressive nine wins over a 17-year career. He also holds the record for most wins at 12 Hours of Sebring, with a total of six.
Kristensen retired from professional racing in 2014 and has kept a relatively low profile since that time. However, the shadow that he casts over professional racing remains a long one that is hard to overcome. He is still one of the most celebrated figures in the sport, despite being retired for almost a decade.
With summer being the season of Le Mans, Rubber B thought that it would be an ideal time to look back on Kristensen’s legacy and time in endurance racing. Below, we will look at the life, career, and watch collection of one of the professional motorsports’ most venerated drivers.
Who Is Tom Kristensen?
Tom Kristensen was born on July 7, 1967, in Hobro, Denmark. His father owned a gas station, and by Kristensen’s own account, he was actually born at that same gas station. As a young man, his father would encourage his interest in amateur motorsports, particularly go-karting.
Kristensen began to display talent at a relatively young age. He would then go on to start his professional karting career in 1984, at the age of seventeen. This would lead to him having opportunities to race in other countries and begin his international racing career.
Tom Kristensen’s Early Racing Career
In the early 1990s, Kristensen would move to Japan and begin racing there. He would race concurrently in both the Formula 3 and Touring Car competitions. He would be the German Formula 1 champion in 1991 and the Japanese Formula 3 champion in 1993. He was also the runner-up in the Japanese Touring Car Competition in 1992 and 1994 as well.
He would come in sixth place in Formula 3000 in both 1996 and 1997. These opportunities would eventually lead to Kristensen having the opportunity to compete in his first Formula One event in 1997.
First Le Mans Win and Mainstream Success
In 1997, Kristensen would win his first Formula One race, coming in first position for the LMP class. This was particularly notable, as first-time competitors do not normally place first in their class.
After this win, Kristensen would go on to win his class in another eight events over a 17-year career. These would include races in a sequential six-year run, from 2000 to 2005. After placing third in 2006 and not finishing in 2007, he would once again win first place in 2008.
In 2013, Kristensen would win his ninth, and final, 24 Hours of Le Mans event. He would come in second place in 2014, which would prove to be his final professional race. Shortly after the conclusion of that race, he would announce his retirement from professional racing.
Retirement and Later Endeavors
Since his retirement, Kristensen has lived a relatively private life. In August 2014, shortly before his retirement announcement, he was appointed Knight of the Order of Dannebrog by the Queen of Denmark. In January 2018, he was formally inducted into the Danish Sports Hall of Fame.
What Watches Are in Tom Kristensen’s Watch Collection?
Kristensen is known to be a Rolex brand ambassador. He has mentioned that he owns several Rolex Daytonas, a handful of which were given to him after his racing wins. He also owns a GMT-Master II as well.
What Separates Rubber B From Other Watch Straps?
Rubber B produces custom rubber watch bands for timepieces from a variety of leading global watchmakers, including Rolex, Tudor, and Panerai, as well as several others. Our complete product catalog features straps in a plethora of different colors, textures, and styles, and each one of our watch bands is made solely from 100% vulcanized rubber.
No fillers or additives are used in Rubber B’s watch straps, and each strap is non-toxic and non-allergenic, as well as being FDA and BVGG compliant. Rubber B also offers both domestic and international shipping to its clients based on their current location.
Do You Need a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
Rubber B watch straps do not contain any coating, blends, or bonding, and each and every strap undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets quality control standards.
If you would like to learn more about our complete list of products, shipping policies, and pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued team members will be happy to answer your inquiry in a timely manner.
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