John Barry Nicholson[1] (6 October 1941 – 19 September 2017[2]) was a racing driver from Auckland, New Zealand.

Nicholson was the 1973 and 1974 British Formula Atlantic champion, using a Lyncar chassis[3] and in his 'day job' was an engine-builder for McLaren.

Nicholson also worked for Cosworth, Lotus and Embassy Hill, and he prepared a Saab engine for use in a Reynard Formula Three car.

[4] Following his Formula Atlantic success, Nicholson commissioned Martin Slater of Lyncar to build him a Formula One car,[3] despite, by this time, having established his own engine building business, which meant he was unable to commit to a full grand prix season.

[5] Nicholson subsequently planned a further and stronger attempt at Formula One with a privateer McLaren M23 but the purchase of the chassis fell through.