Birthdate: October 6, 1981
Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Sex: M
Height: 5'-5"
Weight: 124 lb.
Tyke demonstrated his spunk early in life, as he personally disposed of his baby crib by kicking it into splinters. In more than appearance, Tyke became a would-be carbon copy of his excited father.
Through considerable sweet-talking and law-bending, Rover secured a ride for the three-year-old Tyke alongside him on the Penske F1 team in 1983, replacing the departing Hexagon. In short order, Tyke became the youngest ever winner in F1, scoring a lucky trimuph from fourteenth on the grid at the British GP at Silverstone - the only race ever in which Rover himself failed to qualify.
Perhaps that ironic twist affected his future, but Tyke's performances thereafter proved rather lackluster. He retired from F1 at the end of 1986, returning to the life of a student and adolescent full-time. As of yet, he has not resurrected his fledgling racing career, finding less interest in the sport than when he competed in it. The fact that his father pushed him and the media hounded him unmercifully no doubt left a bitter aftertaste as well. As Rover put it, "it's the Kyle Petty syndrome at work. Everybody expected him to do at least half as well as me, and nobody can handle that!"
Tyke feels a bit resentful and bitter over having been pushed too much by his demanding dad but keeps up a good game face.