Today in History (June 8, 1968)

Italian driver Ludovico Scarfiotti dies at the age of 34 in a hillclimb event in Germany. Between 1963 and 1968 he started 10 Formula 1 Grand Prix, winning one (Italy, 1966) while driving a Ferrari.

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Today in History (June 7, 1989)

Brazilian driver Francisco “Chico” Landi dies at 81, in his native Sao Paulo. He began racing in 1934 when he took part at the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix on the Gavea circuit, better known as “The Devil’s Trampoline”. He was probably the first Brazilian to have an international racing career, taking part in events in Argentina and Europe. Between 1951 and 1956 Landi took part in six F1 Grand Prix. His best result was 4^th (Argentina, 1956).

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Today in History (June 6, 1960)

British driver Jim Clark (Lotus-Climax) debuts in Formula 1, during the Netherlands Grand Prix (Zandvoort). Clark qualified 11^th and retired from the race (Transmission). The Grand Prix was won by Jack Brabham (Cooper-Climax).

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Today in History (June 2, 1970)

Race car driver, designer and constructor Bruce McLaren dies in an accident while testing a car in Goodwood. McLaren built his first car, with his father’s help, at age 14 and his first race was at age 15, in his natal New Zeland. He studied engineering and by late 50s he moved toEuropewhere he competed, among other series, in F2 & F1 races. At age 22, he became the youngest-ever winner of a F1 race (US GP, Sebring). McLaren founded his own team in 1963.

Members of his team remember the day of his fatal accident and how the team continued his legacy:

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1948 – Indy 500 Moments: So, if I say “six-wheeler,” what do you think?

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If you are a racing fan and I say, six-wheeler, you will probably think of a Tyrrell P34. Of course, as you probably know, that fantastic car was not the only six-wheeler in the history of auto racing.

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Actually there was a six-wheel car back at the 1948 Indy 500. It was called the Pat Clancy Special, raced by Billy DeVore. It was a 4WD machine with power going to two rear axles. It was very quick in a straight-line, but really difficult to get around the corners of the Speedway.

Mr.Clancy was a former dirt track driver turned truck line owner and the six wheel’s idea came from one of his truck drivers. The car qualified in 20^th position and finished twelfth. The chassis was a Kurtis and the engine an Offenhauser.

Rookie Jackie Holmes qualified the car for the 1949 Indy 500 in 17^th position but was black-flagged for not keeping a safe racing speed.

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1935 – Indy 500 Moments: Jimmy, the riding mechanic

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Safety was a concern, so the Speedway installed the first green and yellow warning lights around the track, and made mandatory the use of helmets. However, life was tough at the Brickyard, not just for the drivers but also for the riding mechanics. 

“All drivers and mechanics dream of getting to go to Indianapolis, let alone participate. I was very fortunate. I go one time and I win the race,” said riding mechanic Jimmy Dunham who won the 1935 Indy 500 with driver Kelly Petillo.

And in a way, it was almost a miracle. Dunham was passing by Petillo’s garage when he saw him and his friends building the car for the Indy 500. He immediately offered his help, and ended being the riding mechanic.

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Today in History (May 20, 1962)

British driver Graham Hill wins his first Formula 1 Grand Prix (Zandvoort, Netherland), while driving for BRM. Trevor Taylor (Lotus) and Phil Hill (Ferrari) were second and third. Graham Hill debuted in Formula 1 during the Monaco Grand Prix in 1958. He was World Champion twice (1962 & 1968), and also won the 24 Hours ofLe Mans(1972) and the Indy 500 (1966).

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1919 – Indy 500 Moments: Thirty three for the first time

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WWI was over and races returned to the tracks. In 1919 the Indy 500 was named the “Liberty Sweepstakes,” honoring the end of the war and celebrated flying Ace, Eddie Rickenbacker.

The race was won by American driver Howdy Wilcox –the first American winner since Joe Dawson in 1912, and for the first time there were 33 starters.

Back in 1911, after the first Indy 500, the Board of the American Automobile Association (AAA) established a formula to set the maximum number of cars per event: A track could start one car per every 400ft of its length. Based on that calculation, theSpeedwaycould host 33.

However, for some reason or another it never happened until 1919… And it didn’t happen again until 1934. Since then, apart from 1947, 1979 and 1997, it’s always been 33.

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Today in History (May 18, 1952)

Italian driver Piero Taruffi wins the Swiss Grand Prix (Bremgarten). He also scores his and Ferrari’s first fastest lap in a Formula 1 race. Rudi Fischer (Ferrari) was second and Jean Behra (Gordini), third. It was the first official podium for Fischer and Behra.

1952 Formula 1 Season (Part 1/2):

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1916-Indy 500 Moments: When the Indy 500 was the Indy 300

In 1916 the Indy 500 was really the Indy 300. Manufacturers were dropping out of the race because of USAinvolvement in European hostilities during World War I and race organizers decided to cut the distance. The race was held on Tuesday May 30 and was won by Dario Resta driving a Peugeot.

It’s been the only Indy 500 scheduled for less than 500 miles. The race had 21 entries, and according to some sources seven cars were entered either by theSpeedwayor its owners in order to guarantee a strong field.

Eddie Rickenbacker was one of the entries. It was his fourth –and last, Indy 500. Shortly after the race he left for Europe and became fighter ace in WWI. Years later, he would become one of the owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (1927-1945).

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