Precision, focus, clinical – some of the words I associate with the driving style of the legendary Jim Clark. Of the 73 GP starts, he notched up 32 podiums and 25 wins, however, curiously enough he only won two world championships in ’63 & ’65. Continue reading “Jim Clark – Team Lotus”
Often affectionately referred to by many of his fans as “Our Nige”, Nigel Mansell was regarded as being “very hard but fair” by many of his contemporaries. His time at Ferrari was less than a happy affair – while he put in some sterling drives for the team the car was dreadfully unreliable and during his two years there he only netted three wins. Continue reading “Nigel Mansell – “Our Nige” Ferrari”
Clay Reggazoni was a much liked character from the 1970’s and early 80’s F1 circus. A larger than life character with a reputation for being a gritty and tough competitor. With five wins to his name, his first came fittingly enough with Ferrari at Monza in 1970 driving the 312b and another notable victory was at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone when he gave Frank Williams his very first F1 victory at the wheel of the superbly competitive FW 07.
One of the most iconic images of the 50’s / 60’s Motor Racing world was the face of Graham Hill – mustachieod with sideburns and slick backed long hair he always looked so relaxed and at ease and was synoymous with racing in the streets of Monaco and Lotus F1 cars painted red and white (Gold Leaf Team Lotus). Continue reading “Graham Hill – Gold Leaf Team Lotus”
Back in the 1920’s / 30’s the whole concept of “Health and Safety” didn’t yet exist and indeed when it came to motor racing apart from sand bags and strawbales being placed around the track (more to protect spectators) drivers themselves didn’t have anything which could be considered safety equipment. Continue reading “Flannels and Flying helmets!”
It’s a while since I watched LeMans (the movie) but as part of some research I was doing lately I came across this wonderful digitized still photo from the movie showing Steve McQueen (the lead actor) giving the “two fingered” salute to one of his opponents. Continue reading “McQueens two fingered Le Mans salute?”
I’m still harvesting my current crop of 43rd scale figures at the moment – emerging from the current lineup (as I hop from one to the other in a somewhat hapazard motion) is another Gilles Villeneuve. Continue reading “More 43rd scale figures”
After clinching the World championship in 1978 (driving the beautifully liveried JPS Lotus 79), Andretti’s fortunes at Lotus faded. The following year (1979) was a disaster for the team as they struggled to make the Lotus 80 competitive and they eventually had to give up and revert to the previous years car (type 79). Continue reading “Mario Andretti – Essex Lotus”
A common sight at the Grand Prix circuit these days is the Flag marshals decked out their colourful gear – they are a wonderful band of volunteers performing a key role during practice, qulaifying and on race day. Without them the running of a modern high octane Grand prix would be a very dangerous and confused undertaking. Continue reading “F1 Flag Marshal”
Following a break of four years, the Formula 1 circus will once again visit the USA this year with a round of the championship being held in the Lone Star State (Texas) at a newly built circuit in the city of Austin. Continue reading “F1 back in the USA 2012.”
