A PICTURE IS WORTH 1000 WORDS, PART IX.
By Peter M. DeLorenzo
Detroit. The history of racing is filled with memorable moments, incandescent triumphs and yes, unspeakable tragedies. I have been presenting a kaleidoscope of images that have captured these moments since racing's inception, and we plan to continue presenting a few of them in this column and in future columns through to the end of the year. I hope you enjoy it.
Jackie Stewart and Ken Tyrrell at the press introduction for the Tyrrell 001 Formula 1 car. The machine was designed by Derek Gardner and powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV, and made its debut at the end of the 1970 F1 season.
(Photo by Dave Friedman)
Sebring, Florida, March 21, 1964. Ken Miles in the factory Shelby American 427 Cobra Prototype during the 12 Hours of Sebring. Miles suffered a massive crash during practice almost writing off the car, but the Shelby American crew hammered the Cobra back together in time to make the start. Miles and co-driver John Morton started dead last in the field but did not finish.
(Photo by Dave Friedman)
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 1963. Dan Gurney getting ready to take his Lotus-Ford out for practice for the Indy 500. That's Colin Chapman (in the pink pants) and Jim Clark (light blue shirt) looking on.
Silverstone, July 14, 1973. American Peter Revson (No. 8 Yardley Team McLaren M23 Ford Cosworth DFV) on his way to winning the British Grand Prix. The race will always be remembered for the massive crash at the end of the opening lap as Jody Scheckter (No. 30 Yardley Team McLaren M23 Ford Cosworth DFV) lost control and spun into the pitwall at the exit of Woodcote before bouncing back into the middle of the circuit. Unable to go anywhere, eight drivers were taken out in the wreck, with the cars of Jean-Pierre Beltoise, George Follmer, Mike Hailwood, Carlos Pace, Jochen Mass, Graham Hill, Roger Williamson and Andrea de Adamich unable to continue. de Adamich broadsided the stranded Scheckter and suffered a broken ankle. The huge accident blocked the circuit and caused the race to be stopped. Ronnie Peterson (No. 2 John Player Team Lotus 72E Ford Cosworth DFV) was second, and Denny Hulme (No. 8 Yardley Team McLaren M23 Ford Cosworth DFV) finished third.
Watkins Glen, New York, July 1973. John Watson in the No. 2 Gulf Research Racing Co. Mirage M6 Ford Cosworth DFV during practice for the Watkins Glen 6-Hours. Watson and co-driver Derek Bell started sixth and finished fifth.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 1965. A wonderful overhead view of Mario Andretti's No. 12 Dean Van Lines Hawk/Ford in Gasoline Alley. Mario finished third in the Indy 500 behind winner Jim Clark (No. 82 Team Lotus/Ford) and Parnelli Jones (No. 98 J.C. Agajanian Hurst Lotus/Ford).
Nassau Speed Week, November 29, 1964. Roger Penske (No. 82 Mecom Racing Team Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport) on his way to victory in the Nassau TT race. Walt Hansgen (No. 3 Mecom Racing Team Ferrari 250 LM) was second, and Bob Grossman (No. 90 Scuderia Bear Ferrari 250 LM) finished third. Roger also won the Governor's Trophy feature race on December 4th driving Jim Hall's No. 6 Chaparral 2A Chevrolet.