There are many great moments in the history of car racing. The most memorable are arguably the ones that occurred during the first three years of the World Series of Racing. These include the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona, the debut of the first Ford GT and the race that made Jack Brabham a Formula One World Champion.
The 50th Rolex 24 At Daytona
If you love speed and haven’t experienced the legendary Rolex 24 At Daytona, you’re missing out. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this legendary race.
During the past fifty years, the 24-hour race at Daytona has become one of the most prestigious endurance competitions in the world. With a field of race cars from all over the world, this weekend’s event will be a true test of the skills of drivers.
This year, the Rolex 24 will also mark the beginning of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the newest incarnation of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. The season opener will feature a star-studded line-up of drivers.
A special event, Taste of the 24, is hosted by the Daytona State College Foundation. It’s an evening of gourmet food, music, and a preview of the endurance race. It takes place in 24 private corporate suites above the Superstretch grandstands.
Last year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona was won by Jan Magnussen. He didn’t win the actual race, but he did claim the record prize of $568,750.
New entries include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and BMW M3. The field is expected to be one of the toughest in years. In addition to this new lineup, the GTD class is set to feature defending champions Bill Sweedler, Kamui Kobayashi, and Townsend Bell.
Jack Brabham’s car won the ’59 F1 world championship
The 1959 Formula One World Championship was the first ever to be won in a rear engined car. Jack Brabham drove the Cooper Type 51 to win the title. In the process, he became the only driver to do so.
The Cooper Type 51 was designed by Charles and John Cooper and set a new standard for F1 cars. At the time, suitable engines were hard to come by.
Jack Brabham won five of eight races in 1960. He was also second in the driver’s championship. It was a memorable season for Brabham. His friend Ron Tauranac was working in the UK. They agreed to name their business Brabham Racing Developments.
Jack Brabham was hampered by mechanical problems. But he was ahead of the rest of the drivers in points. On the final lap, he ran out of fuel and had to stop.
The next year, he was second in the driver’s championship. His team won three non-championship races in 1964.
In 1963, Brabham teamed up with American Dan Gurney. Their team won the 1964 French Grand Prix.
By the end of the 1965 season, Brabham was the only driver with two drivers’ titles. Denny Hulme won the 1967 title.
The 1970 season was a rematch. Brabham and Bruce McLaren were both in contention. Throughout the season, Brabham competed at the front. This was his last season.
Niki Lauda’s courage in F1
Niki Lauda is a legend of Formula One. He is remembered for his determination and bravery. During his career, he won three world championships. However, he had to deal with some unfortunate setbacks.
In 1976, Niki Lauda suffered a serious crash in the Ferrari F1 car. His car exploded, leaving him injured. It burned his body and his head, as well as scarring his lungs.
Despite the accident, Niki was determined to recover. Six weeks later, he returned to racing.
Niki Lauda’s comeback was the best in the history of motorsport. He finished the Italian Grand Prix in fourth place, but he was still seriously injured. On the day of the race, his balaclava was soaked in blood.
In the lead-up to the German Grand Prix, Lauda made a public complaint about the track. The track was dangerous. Several other drivers were forced to pull out of the race. Even though the track was unsafe, Niki was determined to compete.
After his return to the track, Niki was awarded the first million dollar driving salary. He also was given the title of Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes F1 team.
He joined the Mercedes AMG Powertrains board. Later, he became a television commentator. And, finally, he was a special adviser to Daimler AG.
