The Greatest F1 Race Ever

[manta22]

I ran across this footage of the 1957 German Grand Prix at the old Nurburgring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8GewTBczsQ

I was fortunate enough to be there to watch Fangio put on the most amazing feat of driving that I've ever seen. It is fitting that his nickname was "Il Maestro". Here's a picture that I took at the previous year's race--  Collins, Fangio, & Moss. Unfortunately, I can't find my '57 slides. Good old Kodachrome.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[dw230]

Neil,

A race to remember. I have a book on my shelf, Fifty Famous Motor Races by Alan Henry. Published 1988,
ISBN 0-85059-937-7 covers F1, Le Mans, Indy and at least one NASCAR race(1959).

I like this book for its historical value.

DW

[wobblywalrus]

Thanks for showing that, Neil.

[manta22]

You're welcome, Wobbly.

The '57 GP was one of the last seasons of the big front-engine GP cars. When Lotus & Cooper showed up with a mid-engine, lightweight chassis, & wide, sticky tires, they revolutionized the sport. The big championship Indy cars lasted only a few years longer.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Nice video, Neil.  Thanks for letting me see it.  I got the good thrills that I ought to have had while watching - and listening.

As for Indy-type cars and the onslaught of the Lotus, etc -- I was at the Indy 500 a few times before Lotus got there, when they arrived, and after they were part and parcel of the race.  There's no question in my mind that the old dinosaurs were slower - but way more fun to watch and hear.  And speaking of hearing -- the Novi was unique.  I could see all thirty three cars roaring out of #4 and towards us near the line -- and close my eyes and still pick out the Novi.  Quite the sound.  Maybe that's where I got started gearheading -- I still do like hearing unmuffled engines at full song.

[Milwaukee Midget]

Okay - I'm all geeked out on that one.


DUUUUUDE!   THATWASFRICKIN'AWESOME!