By Peter M. DeLorenzo
Detroit. Racing a car, motorcycle or anything with some sort of power is a pursuit like no other. It is a passionate endeavor requiring an obsessive single-mindedness that consumes the people involved to a degree that outsiders find hard to understand. Ask any driver who has competed at the top level, and they will tell you that there is nothing half-assed about what they do, because the focus required is almost incomprehensible. Drivers talk about being in "the zone" - a strange state of mind that takes over their entire being while they're racing - when the faster they go the more things seem to slow down for them. They're aware of everything around them, but at the same time their focus on the task at hand is impenetrable, because anything less can result in a mistake that will likely have severe consequences. Racers are indeed a rare breed, willing to sacrifice everything for the pursuit of what they love to do, to the detriment of everything else. These racers have left an indelible mark on the sport. Drivers who were fierce competitors, flawed heroes and incredible, gifted talents. Their legacies are what make the sport of motor racing so fascinating. In the most recent issues of "Fumes" I have been recalling some of my favorites. This week, I'm focusing on the outstanding American road racing champion, George Follmer.
George started running a VW Beetle in Gymkhana events in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, and quickly graduated to running a series of Porsches. In 1965, Follmer won the SCCA United States Road Racing Championship both in the 2.0-liter class and overall, driving a creation of his own: a Lotus 23 powered by a Porsche 904 engine. This machine was light, quick and most importantly, consistent, and Follmer solidified his driving reputation with his Lotus-Porsche. Follmer also competed in USAC Champ cars from 1967-1971 and in 1974, making 25 career starts, including in the '69, '70 and '71 Indianapolis 500s. Follmer recorded one win at Phoenix International Raceway in 1969.
Follmer's talent and versatility became a hot commodity, as he drove in several different road racing series. He was part of the Bud Moore Engineering Trans-Am Ford team with teammate Parnelli Jones in 1969, '70 and '71. He won the Trans-Am Championship in 1972 driving an AMC Javelin for Roy Woods Jr. He won the Trans-Am Championship again in 1976, driving a Porsche 934 Turbo. He won two races in the 1970 SCCA Continential Championship for Formula A cars - which became F5000 - finishing sixth in the final standings.
1972 turned out to be a milestone year for Follmer as he was called upon by Roger Penske to substitute for the injured Mark Donohue in the No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo in the Can-Am Series. George dutifully delivered the Can-Am Championship for Penske and Porsche. George also finished runner-up in the Can-Am Series in 1973 driving for Bobby Rinzler in a RC Cola Porsche 917/10 Turbo, and in 1974 driving a Shadow for Don Nichols. Follmer recorded six wins and 13 podiums in his three-year Can-Am run. George is the only driver to have won the Can-Am and Trans-Am championship in the same year.
In 1973, Follmer competed in F1 with Don Nichols' UOP Shadow team. Amazingly enough, he made his first Grand Prix start in South Africa at the age of 39 years and 1 month - making him F1's oldest débutant since the 1950s, a distinction he still holds. In 13 F1 Championship races, Follmer's best results were sixth in South Africa and a podium in Spain (third) in his first two Grands Prix, which gave him 13th in the Drivers' Championship with five points. He also competed in several non-Championship races.
Follmer competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1974, appearing in 13 races and recording three top-five finishes as well as a pole position. In 1974 and 1975, he raced in the International Race of Champions, wining one race. Not finished yet, Follmer returned to the revived Can-Am (which was based on full-bodied F5000 cars), resulting in a sixth in 1977 and a fifth in 1978. He won the 1978 St. Jovite Can Am in his No. 8 Prophet-Chevrolet.
After his retirement, George came back to racing for the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the No. 8 Joest Racing Porsche 956 with co-drivers John Morton and Kenper Miller to a tremendous third place overall. In his later years, George competed in vintage racing in a McLaren M8F Chevrolet that had been brought up to date with the latest and greatest equipment and contemporary preparation standards. George was simply superb in that bad-ass McLaren, and it was a joy to watch it in his hands.
George is considered to be one of America's foremost driving talents, and his stellar career certainly proved that out.
Detroit. Racing a car, motorcycle or anything with some sort of power is a pursuit like no other. It is a passionate endeavor requiring an obsessive single-mindedness that consumes the people involved to a degree that outsiders find hard to understand. Ask any driver who has competed at the top level, and they will tell you that there is nothing half-assed about what they do, because the focus required is almost incomprehensible. Drivers talk about being in "the zone" - a strange state of mind that takes over their entire being while they're racing - when the faster they go the more things seem to slow down for them. They're aware of everything around them, but at the same time their focus on the task at hand is impenetrable, because anything less can result in a mistake that will likely have severe consequences. Racers are indeed a rare breed, willing to sacrifice everything for the pursuit of what they love to do, to the detriment of everything else. These racers have left an indelible mark on the sport. Drivers who were fierce competitors, flawed heroes and incredible, gifted talents. Their legacies are what make the sport of motor racing so fascinating. In the most recent issues of "Fumes" I have been recalling some of my favorites. This week, I'm focusing on the outstanding American road racing champion, George Follmer.
George started running a VW Beetle in Gymkhana events in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, and quickly graduated to running a series of Porsches. In 1965, Follmer won the SCCA United States Road Racing Championship both in the 2.0-liter class and overall, driving a creation of his own: a Lotus 23 powered by a Porsche 904 engine. This machine was light, quick and most importantly, consistent, and Follmer solidified his driving reputation with his Lotus-Porsche. Follmer also competed in USAC Champ cars from 1967-1971 and in 1974, making 25 career starts, including in the '69, '70 and '71 Indianapolis 500s. Follmer recorded one win at Phoenix International Raceway in 1969.
Follmer's talent and versatility became a hot commodity, as he drove in several different road racing series. He was part of the Bud Moore Engineering Trans-Am Ford team with teammate Parnelli Jones in 1969, '70 and '71. He won the Trans-Am Championship in 1972 driving an AMC Javelin for Roy Woods Jr. He won the Trans-Am Championship again in 1976, driving a Porsche 934 Turbo. He won two races in the 1970 SCCA Continential Championship for Formula A cars - which became F5000 - finishing sixth in the final standings.
1972 turned out to be a milestone year for Follmer as he was called upon by Roger Penske to substitute for the injured Mark Donohue in the No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo in the Can-Am Series. George dutifully delivered the Can-Am Championship for Penske and Porsche. George also finished runner-up in the Can-Am Series in 1973 driving for Bobby Rinzler in a RC Cola Porsche 917/10 Turbo, and in 1974 driving a Shadow for Don Nichols. Follmer recorded six wins and 13 podiums in his three-year Can-Am run. George is the only driver to have won the Can-Am and Trans-Am championship in the same year.
In 1973, Follmer competed in F1 with Don Nichols' UOP Shadow team. Amazingly enough, he made his first Grand Prix start in South Africa at the age of 39 years and 1 month - making him F1's oldest débutant since the 1950s, a distinction he still holds. In 13 F1 Championship races, Follmer's best results were sixth in South Africa and a podium in Spain (third) in his first two Grands Prix, which gave him 13th in the Drivers' Championship with five points. He also competed in several non-Championship races.
Follmer competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1974, appearing in 13 races and recording three top-five finishes as well as a pole position. In 1974 and 1975, he raced in the International Race of Champions, wining one race. Not finished yet, Follmer returned to the revived Can-Am (which was based on full-bodied F5000 cars), resulting in a sixth in 1977 and a fifth in 1978. He won the 1978 St. Jovite Can Am in his No. 8 Prophet-Chevrolet.
After his retirement, George came back to racing for the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the No. 8 Joest Racing Porsche 956 with co-drivers John Morton and Kenper Miller to a tremendous third place overall. In his later years, George competed in vintage racing in a McLaren M8F Chevrolet that had been brought up to date with the latest and greatest equipment and contemporary preparation standards. George was simply superb in that bad-ass McLaren, and it was a joy to watch it in his hands.
George is considered to be one of America's foremost driving talents, and his stellar career certainly proved that out.
(Getty images)Versatile and consistently quick, George Follmer was a true talent behind the wheel.
(Getty images)Follmer won the SCCA United States Road Racing Championship in 1965 in both the 2.0-liter class - and overall - driving a creation of his own: a Lotus 23 sports racer powered by a Porsche 904 engine. This machine was light, quick and most important, consistent, and Follmer solidified his reputation with his tremendous drives in the Lotus-Porsche.
(Getty images)
George Follmer driving the No. 20 STP Oil Treatment Hawk/Ford entered by Andy Granatelli in the 1970 Indianapolis 500. He did not finish due to a blown engine.
George Follmer driving the No. 20 STP Oil Treatment Hawk/Ford entered by Andy Granatelli in the 1970 Indianapolis 500. He did not finish due to a blown engine.
(Getty images)
Monaco Grand Prix, June 1973. George Follmer (No. 16 UOP Shadow Racing Team Shadow DN1 Ford-Cosworth DFV) during practice. He didn't make the start of the race due to a crash in practice caused when his rear wing came off.
Monaco Grand Prix, June 1973. George Follmer (No. 16 UOP Shadow Racing Team Shadow DN1 Ford-Cosworth DFV) during practice. He didn't make the start of the race due to a crash in practice caused when his rear wing came off.
(Getty images)
Follmer competing in F1 with Don Nichols' UOP Shadow team was a huge deal. Incredibly enough, he made his first Grand Prix start in South Africa at the age of 39 years and 1 month, making him F1's oldest débutant since the 1950s, a distinction he still holds. In 13 F1 Championship races, Follmer's best results were sixth in South Africa and a podium in Spain (third, above) in his first two Grands Prix, which gave him 13th in the Drivers' Championship with five points. He also competed in several non-Championship races.
Follmer competing in F1 with Don Nichols' UOP Shadow team was a huge deal. Incredibly enough, he made his first Grand Prix start in South Africa at the age of 39 years and 1 month, making him F1's oldest débutant since the 1950s, a distinction he still holds. In 13 F1 Championship races, Follmer's best results were sixth in South Africa and a podium in Spain (third, above) in his first two Grands Prix, which gave him 13th in the Drivers' Championship with five points. He also competed in several non-Championship races.
(Getty images)
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, July 19, 1970. George Follmer (No. 16 Bud Moore Engineering Ford Mustang Boss 302) on the pole, with his teammate Parnelli Jones (No. 15 Bud Moore Engineering Ford Mustang Boss 302) right next to him for the start of the Trans-Am at Road America. Follmer's talent and versatility became a hot commodity. He was part of the Bud Moore Engineering factory Ford Trans-Am team with Parnelli Jones in 1969, '70 and '71. Some of the most memorable battles in the Trans-Am series in that era were between Follmer and Jones. At Mid-Ohio, Jones and Follmer put each other off the track - twice - during the race. After his Ford stint, George won the Trans-Am Championship in 1972 driving an AMC Javelin for Roy Woods Jr. He won the Trans-Am Championship again in 1976 driving a Porsche 934 Turbo.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, July 19, 1970. George Follmer (No. 16 Bud Moore Engineering Ford Mustang Boss 302) on the pole, with his teammate Parnelli Jones (No. 15 Bud Moore Engineering Ford Mustang Boss 302) right next to him for the start of the Trans-Am at Road America. Follmer's talent and versatility became a hot commodity. He was part of the Bud Moore Engineering factory Ford Trans-Am team with Parnelli Jones in 1969, '70 and '71. Some of the most memorable battles in the Trans-Am series in that era were between Follmer and Jones. At Mid-Ohio, Jones and Follmer put each other off the track - twice - during the race. After his Ford stint, George won the Trans-Am Championship in 1972 driving an AMC Javelin for Roy Woods Jr. He won the Trans-Am Championship again in 1976 driving a Porsche 934 Turbo.
(Getty images)
Follmer and Jones were teammates on the Bud Moore Engineering factory Ford Trans-Am team, but that didn't prevent them from fighting each other for every inch of track and every position during the 1970 Trans-Am Championship season. it was a real treat to watch them that year.
Follmer and Jones were teammates on the Bud Moore Engineering factory Ford Trans-Am team, but that didn't prevent them from fighting each other for every inch of track and every position during the 1970 Trans-Am Championship season. it was a real treat to watch them that year.
(Getty images)
Follmer also won two races in the 1970 SCCA Continential Championship for Formula A cars - the precursor to F5000 - finishing sixth in the final standings.
Follmer also won two races in the 1970 SCCA Continential Championship for Formula A cars - the precursor to F5000 - finishing sixth in the final standings.
(Getty images)
1972 turned out to be a milestone year for Follmer as he was called upon by Roger Penske to substitute for the injured Mark Donohue in the No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo in the Can-Am Series. George dutifully delivered the Can-Am Championship for Penske and Porsche. George also finished runner-up in the Can-Am Series in 1973 driving for Bobby Rinzler in the RC Cola Porsche 917/10 Turbo, and in 1974 driving a Shadow for Don Nichols. Follmer recorded six wins and 13 podiums in his three-year Can-Am run. George is the only driver to have won the Can-Am and Trans-Am championships in the same year.
1972 turned out to be a milestone year for Follmer as he was called upon by Roger Penske to substitute for the injured Mark Donohue in the No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo in the Can-Am Series. George dutifully delivered the Can-Am Championship for Penske and Porsche. George also finished runner-up in the Can-Am Series in 1973 driving for Bobby Rinzler in the RC Cola Porsche 917/10 Turbo, and in 1974 driving a Shadow for Don Nichols. Follmer recorded six wins and 13 podiums in his three-year Can-Am run. George is the only driver to have won the Can-Am and Trans-Am championships in the same year.
(Getty images)
Watkins Glen, New York, July 23, 1972. George Follmer (No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo) runs ahead of Francois Cevert (No. 22 Young American Racing McLaren M8F Chevrolet) during the Can-Am. Denny Hulme (No. 5 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet) won that day, followed by Peter Revson (No. 7 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet. Cevert finished third, David Hobbs (No. 1 Carl A. Haas Racing Lola T310 Chevrolet) fourth and Follmer finished fifth.
Watkins Glen, New York, July 23, 1972. George Follmer (No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo) runs ahead of Francois Cevert (No. 22 Young American Racing McLaren M8F Chevrolet) during the Can-Am. Denny Hulme (No. 5 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet) won that day, followed by Peter Revson (No. 7 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet. Cevert finished third, David Hobbs (No. 1 Carl A. Haas Racing Lola T310 Chevrolet) fourth and Follmer finished fifth.
(Getty images)
Watkins Glen Can-Am practice, July 22, 1972. When Roger Penske tapped George Follmer to step in for Mark Donohue in the 917/10 Can-Am Turbo Porsche, it proved to be a shrewd move. Follmer quickly adapted to the nuances of driving the Turbo Porsche and delivered the Can-Am Championship winning at Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Laguna Seca and Riverside.
Watkins Glen Can-Am practice, July 22, 1972. When Roger Penske tapped George Follmer to step in for Mark Donohue in the 917/10 Can-Am Turbo Porsche, it proved to be a shrewd move. Follmer quickly adapted to the nuances of driving the Turbo Porsche and delivered the Can-Am Championship winning at Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Laguna Seca and Riverside.
(Pete Lyons photo)
Laguna Seca Can-Am, October 15, 1972. When Mark Donohue returned to the Can-Am for the last three races of the season - Edmonton, Laguna Seca and Riverside - Roger Penske added a second 917/10 Turbo to the team. Donohue ran his traditional No. 6, while Follmer switched to No. 7. Donohue won at Edmonton, and Follmer won at Laguna Seca and Riverside to capture the Can-Am Series Championship for Penske Racing and Porsche.
Laguna Seca Can-Am, October 15, 1972. When Mark Donohue returned to the Can-Am for the last three races of the season - Edmonton, Laguna Seca and Riverside - Roger Penske added a second 917/10 Turbo to the team. Donohue ran his traditional No. 6, while Follmer switched to No. 7. Donohue won at Edmonton, and Follmer won at Laguna Seca and Riverside to capture the Can-Am Series Championship for Penske Racing and Porsche.
(Getty images)
Follmer also competed in the NASCAR WInston Cup Series in 1974, appearing in 13 races and recording three top-five finishes as well as a pole position. In 1974 and 1975, he raced in the International Race of Champions, wining one race. Not finished yet, Follmer returned to the revived Can-Am (which was based on full-bodied F5000 cars), resulting in a sixth in 1977 and a fifth in 1978. He won the 1978 St. Jovite Can Am in his No. 8 Prophet-Chevrolet. After his retirement, George came back to racing for the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the No. 8 Joest Racing Porsche 956 with co-drivers John Morton and Kenper Miller. They finished a tremendous third place overall.
Follmer also competed in the NASCAR WInston Cup Series in 1974, appearing in 13 races and recording three top-five finishes as well as a pole position. In 1974 and 1975, he raced in the International Race of Champions, wining one race. Not finished yet, Follmer returned to the revived Can-Am (which was based on full-bodied F5000 cars), resulting in a sixth in 1977 and a fifth in 1978. He won the 1978 St. Jovite Can Am in his No. 8 Prophet-Chevrolet. After his retirement, George came back to racing for the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the No. 8 Joest Racing Porsche 956 with co-drivers John Morton and Kenper Miller. They finished a tremendous third place overall.
(Getty images)
George Follmer during the 1973 Can-Am season when he drove a Porsche 917/10 Turbo for Bobby Rinzler's RC Cola-sponsored team.
George Follmer during the 1973 Can-Am season when he drove a Porsche 917/10 Turbo for Bobby Rinzler's RC Cola-sponsored team.
(Getty images)
Riverside International Raceway, October 29, 1972. George Follmer in his re-numbered No. 7 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo during the last Can-Am race of the 1972 season. He won that day from the pole, followed by Peter Revson (No. 4 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet) and his teammate, Mark Donohue (No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo).
Riverside International Raceway, October 29, 1972. George Follmer in his re-numbered No. 7 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo during the last Can-Am race of the 1972 season. He won that day from the pole, followed by Peter Revson (No. 4 Gulf McLaren M20 Chevrolet) and his teammate, Mark Donohue (No. 6 Penske Racing L&M Porsche 917/10 Turbo).
(Getty images)
In his later years, George competed in vintage racing in a McLaren M8F Chevrolet that had been brought up to date with the latest and greatest equipment and contemporary preparation standards. It was by far the fastest Can-Am McLaren ever built to that point. George was simply superb in that bad-ass McLaren, and it was a joy to watch it in his hands. George is considered to be one of America's foremost driving talents, and his stellar career certainly proved that out.
In his later years, George competed in vintage racing in a McLaren M8F Chevrolet that had been brought up to date with the latest and greatest equipment and contemporary preparation standards. It was by far the fastest Can-Am McLaren ever built to that point. George was simply superb in that bad-ass McLaren, and it was a joy to watch it in his hands. George is considered to be one of America's foremost driving talents, and his stellar career certainly proved that out.
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG