Wheel Men...Drivers of the Lotus 49

[4129R]

On a drying track, where you had to get your slicks up to working temperature to get a quick lap on Q3, it was a matter of luck and excellent car control on who got the top positions.

No car control and you would bin in into the Armco.

No luck, and someone would mess up your outlap and you would not get your slicks up to working temperature.

Mad Maxident starts at the back of the grid, with 3 Brits and a token Brit (Danny Ric) in the top 5, so far, I am happy. Tomorrow's result will depend on weather, car control, and staying out of someone else's accident.

George Russell once again punching far above his weight on a slippery track. He should go far.

[S2Zetec54]

…..caught the end of the highlights…..quite exciting for sure…..love the rain it gives the chance for the car control skills to shine through. Great to see the next generation. Roll on the rain in Sochi tomorrow

[Lou Drozdowski]

Another tribute video to...Jim Clark, perhaps the greatest driver of all time?

F1, F2, F3. Sports cars, Saloons, Indy, Stock, LeMans...a natural!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzyk_IOdvGk

[Exlimey]

Good video,thanks. I love the three wheeling Lotus Cortinas.

[BDA]

They don't even get to the 49 but this was a nice, abut short, piece on Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zqeTYuXUig

[BDA]

I just found more of Hammond's tribute to Jimmy Clark on Grand Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLj9sJVsUAU

[Lou Drozdowski]

I just found more of Hammond's tribute to Jimmy Clark on Grand Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLj9sJVsUAU

Thanks Jim, I remember seeing the video when it first aired on Top Gear.

Well, catching it again today got me thinking on the reasons why I decided to start this topic in the first place.

I have been very fortunate and a little crazy when it comes to Formula one. I'll be seventy years old come December, and I am proud to say that as a teenager I attended my first F1 race in 1967 at Monza. In the passing decades many great drivers have come and gone. At last count I have attended 33 Grand Prix, witnessed the legendary pilots of days gone by...

I have many hero's in this sport. Arguments can be made of past champions, I write and comment about Jim Clark's exploits to serve, inform and continue his legacy...

Especially for all here...who never had the chance or circumstance to appreciate his skill and talent.   

 



   

[Lou Drozdowski]

Coming and going...Jo Siffert at Monaco 1969

[Lou Drozdowski]

Belated birthday to Graham Hill...2/15/29

How about that "spinning" helmet visor (early days in the BRM) 

[BDA]

Happy birthday, Graham!

Very stylish helmet!

[Lou Drozdowski]

First of all...
Happy birthday to Jim Clark!  3/4/36  He would have been 86 today.

In 1965 Jim had the racing world by the tail, his accomplishments for a single season in various categories remain the standard all theses years later. Never before had a driver ever captured multiple titles and race wins in one year.

Races entered 65...Wins 31

F1 Worlds Champion
British F2 Champion
Tasman AU/NZ Champion
France F2  Champion
Indy 500 Winner
British Touring Car Championship  3rd (Cortina)
Selected Sportsman of the Year (ABC's Wide World of Sports)




 

[BDA]

  Jimmy!!!

I would love to know what inspired the look on his face in the second picture!

[Lou Drozdowski]

Thinking about tomorrow's Jeddah F1 cage match...where there is no room for error.


 A trio of shots of Jochen Rindt at Silverstone.

[Bainford]

I really like the head-on shot. I wish that was a sharper photo.

[Lou Drozdowski]

Richard James David "Dickie" Atwood...3/4/40

A skilled driver in many classes, he started his F1 career in 1964 with the Owens racing organization driving a BRM P67. Following stints with Reg Parnell's Lotus 25 and a Cooper T81B, he later had outings with the Lotus 49 and another try with the BRM P126. In total, he participated in 16 Grand Prix events scoring 11 total points with his highest 4Th place at Monaco.

Career trivia...

Winner of Le Mans in 1970 with co driver Hans Herrmann in a Porsche 917K
Finished 6Th overall in the German Grand Prix...driving a Frank Williams Brabham BT30 F2 with a one off Cosworth straight 4 Cylinder.

Past owner of a 1989 Peugeot 405 Estate, with 415k documented miles with the factory engine and original clutch! At 81 years, he can always be found at the annual Goodwood festival, behind the wheel of most anything.