Kenelm Lee Guinness

Kenelm Edward Lee Guinness MBE (14 August 1887 – 10 April 1937) was an Irish racing driver of the 1910s and 1920s mostly associated with Sunbeam racing cars. He set a new Land Speed Record in 1922. Also an automotive engineer, he invented and manufactured the KLG spark plug. Additionally, aside from motorsport and mechanical interests, he was a director of the Guinness brewing company. Early life Guinness was born on 14 August 1887 in London. Known as 'Bill' to friends, he was a member of the prominent Irish Guinness family as a grandson of Sir Benjamin Guinness, and would later be a director of the brewing company. He was educated at Cambridge University, where his interests in motor racing first developed as a mechanic to his elder brother Sir Algernon Guinness. Career Beginnings in motor racing His first major race as a driver was the 1907 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. His Darracq retired early, owing to axle failure. This involvement with the closely related Sunbeam, Talbot and Darracq marques continued throughout his career. In the same year he also took part in the Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit des Ardennes.