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1923 French Grand Prix at Tours Part 1

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The 1923 Grand Prix de la Touraine (The French Grand Prix at Tours) was not a battle of the “Tanks”, nor were the entries of the unique Voisin and the flat-iron Bugatti of truly great significance to motor racing. Author of the noted biography of André Lefebvre, Gijsbert-Paul Berk tells us why as he recounts the event from the very beginning, from a walk around the course to the final and surprising outcome with the help of a great number of historical photographs. (Above illustration by the author.)

By Gijsbert-Paul Berk (biography at end of this article)

From the VeloceToday archives, August 2012

The 1923 Grand Prix de Tours has been labeled ‘the Bugatti-Voisin duel’. But was it? Perhaps not; over the years the press and the ensuing legends have overshadowed the essence of the race itself and even the final outcome. Certainly, the teams of Bugatti and Voisin were adversaries. But the same is true for the teams of Fiat, Rolland-Pilain, Sunbeam and the Delage. It is our goal to review this famous race in a different light.

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Jim Sitz Remembers Phil Hill, Part 3

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Phil Hill, World Champion. 60 years ago this week Phil finished third at the German Grand Prix for Ferrari. Photo of Phil Hill at the LA Times Grand Prix by Jim Sitz.

This week, 60 years ago on August 6th, Phil was at the Nurburgring where he placed third, behind von Trips and Moss, who garnered one of his greatest victories that day. Still, during practice, Hill became the first man to lap under 9 minutes, coming in at 8 minutes 55.2 seconds for pole position. Sitz recalls that Phil came into pits, and all the press was making a big fuss. Then he just blurted out, ”Yea, did one lap without screwing up.” The race finished with von Trips with 33 points for the World Championship, Hill 29 and Moss 21. The Championship would be decided at Monza, September 10th.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed: The Drivers

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Roger Penske was a main attraction.

Story and Photos by Jonathan Sharp

At any of the Goodwood motoring events, the game of ‘Spot the Driver’ would be a lot easier if you had eyes in the back of your head as they pop up everywhere, even this year. Travel restrictions and quarantine regulations made me think that famous drivers would be thin on the ground but that was not the case.

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Alfa Romeo 164: More than enough but too late

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By Pete Vack
Photos by Stephen Patchin

On a cold, windswept afternoon in 1996, I stood next to the late Howard Moon as both of us looked at what had once been a thriving Alfa Romeo dealership in Falls Church, Virginia. I noted that the familiar round Alfa Romeo signs no longer proudly hung near the front of the building, which was now busy with a much more lucrative SAAB franchise. “A sign of the times, perhaps?” said Moon.

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Ferrari at Indy Part 2

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In the lead photo, Freddy Agabashian takes the Marion Chinetti Ferrari out for a test drive during the 1954 time trials. It failed to qualify. Credit: IMS Museum

From the Archives, May 2012

By Roberto Motta

1953

Ferrari was undeterred by the results of the 1952 Indy, for plans were made to compete in the 1953 Indy 500, and an initial entry for Ascari was given the number of 97. In addition, two of the 375s sold to American customers planned a comeback; Howard Keck’s car was entered as number 45, with no driver listed, and Johnny Mauro entered with his 375 and given the number 47.

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As Found Classics Returns!

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Delahaye 135 body as it appeared for sale in 1981.

As Found Classic Number Twenty Five

See all https://velocetoday.com/as-found-classics/

By Alden Giddings

It has been a while for an “As Found” and I think you will find the following worthy. Please note that I absolutely will not sell the body, please don’t ask. I am however very willing to talk with anyone who has actual knowledge that may pertain to this body.

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Mario Andretti at Goodwood

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While VeloceToday and Jim Sitz have been concentrating on remembering Phil Hill’s Championship year, we should not be neglecting America’s other Formula 1 World Champion, Mario Andretti.* (Read Who’s the Greatest, Andretti or Hill.) Andretti is renowned as perhaps the most versatile racer of all time, he was named “Driver of the Century” by the Associated Press in 2000, and is one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula 1, IndyCar, the World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. Luckily, Jonathan Sharp ran into Andretti at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 8-11. Take it from here, Jon!

Story and photos Jonathan Sharp

I have been ever so luck over the years to be able to grab shots of many a great driver, both ancient and modern; dear old Sir Stirling and Il Grande John Surtees, Sir Jackie and Derek Bell. But when I read in the press releases that Mario Andretti was to be honoured at this year’s Festival I did feel a certain buzz of excitement and anticipation.

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Andretti’s Hero…at Indy!

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Rare color image of Ascari at the Brickyard in 1952, courtesy Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

From the VeloceToday Archives, May, 2012

During the month of May and the Indy 500, it’s appropriate to think about two events, Monaco and the Indy 500. Most of us are probably very aware of the appearance at Indy of Alberto Ascari in 1952 and the broken wheel which ended his drive. However, more obscure are the other Ferrari entries that continued for some years after the 1952 event. Below Roberto Motta puts it all together in two parts with the help of images from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. [Ed.]

By Roberto Motta
Photos courtesy Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ferrari’s attempts at “The Brickyard” began in 1952, but continued in subsequent years until 1956, with the last Ferrari Bardahl Experimental car. The results were never encouraging, partly because of a lack of preparation and commitment. Perhaps Ferrari did not take the unique and difficult requirements racing at the Indy 500 as seriously as was warranted. [Read more…] about Andretti’s Hero…at Indy!

Detailing the Alfa 8C 2300

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Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp

I had no intention of visiting the Stonor Supercar Sunday event on July 4th until I reread the press release a few days before the event. Note to self, next time read the whole press release when you get it; note to the writer of press releases, best put the important bit (in my mind anyway) earlier in the release.

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Stonor Supercar Sunday, 2021

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It is great that Ferrari 250 GTEs are no longer being made into something they are not.

Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp

Whilst it was the Alfa 8Cs (see story) I went to see on July 4th, there was a lot more to this year’s Stonor Supercar Sunday. Co-sponsor of the event, Bremont watches brought along a FW41 F1 car to celebrate its recent tie in with the Williams Grand Prix team, around which was surrounded by a large crowd for most of the day.

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Jim Sitz Remembers Phil Hill Part 2

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Phil Hill, World Champion. 60 years ago this week Phil entered the British Grand Prix for Ferrari. We celebrate his championship year. Photo of Phil Hill at the LA Times Grand Prix by Jim Sitz courtesy IMRRC.

Jim Sitz’s first tribute to Phil Hill, Jim Sitz Remembers Phil Hill was published on June 14 and received a great number of very complimentary comments. Jim’s recollections and insights illuminate a rarely seen side of the champion. This week, as we celebrate the British Grand Prix (held on July 15, 1961) of Hill’s championship year, Sitz recalls seeing Hill at Torrey Pines and Sebring, 1956 as both gain in stature in their respective careers. [Read more…] about Jim Sitz Remembers Phil Hill Part 2

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