Drawing by Duane Unkefer
By Denise McCluggage
“I Go Pro” was written for and published by “Sports Cars Illustrated”, February, 1959 and is reprinted here with the permission of the author and artist.
THE FACTORY TEAMS had arrived for the Grand Prix of Germany. (A small championship race that was to follow mine.) A friend who happened to drive for Ferrari (yes, Phil Hill) offered to drive me in my car around the Ring, imparting wisdom enroute. It was a fast lap and a valuable one. But costly, too. Apparently in the thrashing about of the wheel, my benefactor’s hand had brushed the key case which was enough to jar the key which was enough for the bum switch to engage the starter motor and-well, like we were already going. And going very fast. Not until we stopped after a complete tour did we hear the hopeless grinding of the starter motor chewing itself into oblivion. Naturally, it was burned out (oh, the smell of it) and furthermore the starter ring gear was as toothless as an old hag.
[Read more…] about Denise McCluggage: Racing the Alfa at the Nurburgring P3