Niki Lauda, A True Hero

By Bobb Rayner

Thanks to the FIATclubAmerica.com for letting us publish this tribute to the late Niki Lauda. Lead image: Lauda at the fateful 1976 German Grand Prix

On May 20th, one of the greatest legends in the history of motor racing died from medical complications. Andreas Nikolaus Lauda, more commonly known as ‘Niki,’ was an extraordinary man whose contributions to motorsports is arguably unequalled.

During my much younger years as I became obsessed with automobiles and motorsports, Niki Lauda was quite the sensation in auto racing’s Formula One World Championship. Because F1 is the pinnacle of motorsports, very, very few men ever get the chance to pilot a racing car in Formula One, let alone become world champion, which Niki Lauda accomplished THREE times – an accomplishment bested by only five other drivers in half a century. Anyone who knows even a little bit about auto racing, knows of Niki Lauda.

For hardcore racing fans the world over, perhaps only the name, Mario Andretti, is as well known. I can count the number of people I consider heroes on one hand, and next to my father, Niki is at the top of my list – not because of his sensational sporting career, but because of his character and courage. Tenacious, athletically gifted and extremely intelligent, he boldly seized life in his early years and was only slowed by his horrific crash at the Nürburgring in 1976. In that accident, he was trapped for several excruciating minutes inside a petro inferno, inhaling superheated air, resulting in severe disfigurement and physical pain that would remain for the rest of his life. Not expected to survive his injuries, he was given last rites by a priest, which served to anger Niki, later saying that he felt if the cleric wanted to do so, he could, but nevertheless he was not going to quit! And what did he do afterwards? Got back into the cars and subsequently won TWO MORE world championships! No one outside of military conflict – NOBODY – has ever had the courage of Niki Lauda. I believe that courage was the trait I’ve most lacked in my own life, so perhaps one can understand why I revere Niki Lauda.

The true story of his life is so amazing that even celebrated actor/director Ron Howard claimed that no one would find it plausible if it were written as a piece of fiction. It moved Howard enough to produce and direct the movie, Rush, based on Niki Lauda’s real-life story. Hollywood often embellishes history, but the story line in Rush was 100% true, so much so that Herr Lauda himself gave the film his own personal approval and praise for everything from the casting of the actors to every detail of the script and historical facts from the period. If you ever want to be inspired by a true story of determination, courage and, yes, love, you would do well to watch Rush. At the very least, I suggest you read the very good article about Niki Lauda on Wikipedia, along with the myriad of obituaries posted on the internet. The life of Niki Lauda is among the most amazing stories imaginable.

Sadly, one of my life’s greatest heroes is gone, but fortunately, I was actually blessed to have met him and spent a few hours with him over 15 years ago. Spotting, conversing with and subsequently sharing a breakfast table with Herr Lauda all happened quite by accident on an early morning in Miami Beach – a story too lengthy to share here and very humorous as well. (I first ran full-tilt to comb my hair and change into my Ferrari polo shirt before I approached him!) I did not fawn over him in a silly way, but being in the presence of greatness, I was physically trembling with awe and respect. I fondly recall how much he appreciated my passionate affection and knowledge of his life and accomplishments. Although Niki Lauda is best-known for his involvement with Scuderia Ferrari, with which he won two of his three Formula 1 world championships, FIAT Club America members might be surprised to learn that Niki Lauda also had promotional connections with FIAT and Alfa Romeo. Following its purchase of a 50% stake in Ferrari in 1969, FIAT’s advertising campaigns included promotional associations with Ferrari’s star driver.

Well-known photos from that era show Niki Lauda posing with a FIAT 131 Mirafiori and a FIAT X1/9, the latter supposedly given to Lauda for his personal use. When the famed Brabham F1 team was powered by a flat-twelve Alfa Romeo engine, the company capitalized on Niki Lauda’s fame by offering a “Niki Lauda” limited edition of the famous Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. I’ve always stressed that the people associated with our wonderful club are more important than the cars themselves. Niki Lauda was a legend among us, and his story should be known by all of us who revere FIAT, Lancia and Alfa Romeo automobiles. May God bless the souls of Niki Lauda and his family.

______________________________________________________

And don’t forget about the Fiat Freakout this week, July 10-14!

Fiat Club America proudly presents the 36th Annual Fiat FreakOut in Greensboro, NC! FreakOut 2019 will be the 10th anniversary where classic and new era North American Fiat vehicles came together across North America.

Greensboro is located among the rolling hills of Carolina’s Piedmont, midway between the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. Fiat Club America’s International show comes to the luxurious Grandover Resort with an array of activities and sponsor opportunities.

The Fiat FreakOut (FFO) brings together the largest collection of Fiat and Lancia automobiles in North America to exhibit Italian cars old and new, swap stories, share tips, sharing the passion for our wonderful automobiles. The FFO is five days of events that include a concours car show, coordinated scenic drives to historic places, a track day, an autocross, lots of socializing and even a visit to the oldest NASCAR track in history. The FFO is not just about show cars; it is a great opportunity to talk to knowledgeable people and vendor sponsors about your vehicle.