During my early interest in Formula One there were quite a few American drivers. As the F-1 Circus rolled into the mid-60's there were fewer and fewer U.S. drivers. These guys all stuck in my head, even to this day, as great drivers. Phil Hill, who was the only American Formula One World Champion, has passed away at the age of 81. I only got to see him race (live) twice and both times he did not finish. Doing the trick with Ferrari in those days. He was World Champion in 1961 and won 24 hours of Le Mans and the 12 hours of Sebring three times each. He suffered from Parkinson's Disease in his last years. Up until his death he was always around the race scene. The Goodwood 'Festival of Speed' honored him within this past year. He became a first class automobile photographer and classic car collector. American Mario Andretti was F-1 Champ in the mid-70's, but he wasn't born in America.
In those days I liked all the drivers. It was a rough sport, the safety could't catch up to the cars. Many drivers died in those days. Yet, Bernie Ecclestone says that those years were when Formula One was the most fun and that today it is all about money. He should know, he made it that way.
Even Roger Penske, now living in Detroit, drove in two Formula One races. He was a great driver and the man with the Midas touch. He went on to make millions...I have always been impressed with him from the time he was just out of college to this day. But back to Phil...when I lay in bed staring at the ceiling and having those little daydreams, that we all have, I some times think that I would like to have a little bar with a Formula One thyme. There are so many great pictures and paintings of Phil Hill it would be easy to decorate. While F-1 is a European game, today's drivers are fantastic, and in all these years there is still only one American Champ. Thanks for the ride!
