It was driven by Geoff Lees, and David Kennedy.

It was powered by the commonly used 3.0 L (180 cu in) Cosworth DFV V8 engine.

It only entered three races, making its debut at the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix.

At the French Grand Prix that year, both drivers, Geoff Lees and David Kennedy failed to qualify, after which Shadow retired from Formula One permanently.

Geoff Lees and David Kennedy were 25th and 27th in qualifying in the Shadow DN12s meaning both drivers missed the 24-car grid.