His only Formula One entry was at the 1980 United States Grand Prix West with McLaren standing in for Alain Prost who was injured, but South failed to qualify.

His career was ended later that year when part of one leg was amputated after an accident during practice for a Can-Am race at the Circuit Trois-Rivières in Quebec, Canada.

In his first year of Formula Ford, South was 1973's big find, winning 5 races on his way to finishing 3rd in the Wella for Men Championship and 4th in the BOC series, driving Rayrace International's Ray 73F.

That maiden first F3 win finally arrived at a non-championship event at Mallory Park, with South victorious in the Griffin Golden Helmet Trophy race.

Although South was set to take a drive with Toleman Group Motorsport in F2, he opted for the McLaren in the United States GP West.

The M29 was hopelessly uncompetitive, and South was unable to qualify the car around the streets of Long Beach, lapping almost four seconds slower than his team mate John Watson.

After a second place at Mosport Park, and scoring pole and leading at Road America before a spin, South crashed badly during practice for the Grand Prix Molson, held on the Circuit Trois-Rivières.