In 1971 Dave Charlton was entered in the British Grand Prix in a works Gold Leaf Team Lotus 72D alongside Emerson Fitipaldi, who would go on to win the 1972 World Drivers Championship. Following the 1971 British Grand Prix he purchased a 72D from Lotus and returned with it to his native South Africa. In 1972 he brought his 72D back to Great Britain as part of a four-race campaign he had planned. This time, however, the Lotus was painted in the striking colours of Lucky Strike Racing.
At the 1972 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch the Lucky Strike Lotus 72D suffered from mechanical woes. After struggling through qualifying and starting in 24th position on the grid, Dave Charlton eventually retired on lap 21 with gearbox failure.
