America's first ever F1 World Champion passes away at 81. :Sad:

[EJ25RUN]

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2008/08/Phil-Hill-Dead-at-Age-81.jpg

Autoblog

Phil Hill, the only American-born driver to win a Formula One title, passed away last night of complications associated with Parkinson's disease at the age of 81. Aside from his success with Ferrari in F1 during the 1961 season, Hill was also the first American to win at the 24 hours of Le Mans, taking the title twice more and winning the 12-hours of Sebring three times.

Described by friends and colleagues as reserved and gentile, Hill was a breath of fresh air in the international racing scene and finally inducted into the International Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1991.

He is survived by his wife Alma, son, two daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom have our heartfelt condolences.

1961 Formula 1 World Champion

Ferrari 156 Sharknose
http://www.frecksautoart.com/philsharknose650.jpg
http://www.kanerogers.com/images/sharknose/870.jpg

1966 Nurburgring 1000 Kilometer winner

Chaparral 2d
http://www.autodrome-cannes.com/chaparral_2d_nurburgring66.jpg

http://www.dccarcare.com/images/Art/artphilh.jpghttp://www.grandprix.com/jpeg/bc/Hill-Phil_60_italy_01_bc.jpg

1962 Le Mans winner - Phil Hill Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Spyder
http://cll.hemmings.com/uimage/721326-1600-1067.jpg
http://cll.hemmings.com/uimage/721331-1600-1090.jpg


R.I.P. Phil.

[dazn]

RIP Phill Hill
He truly was a great driver in all aspects of road racing.

[NewGen33]

Rip...
I was always under the impression the Ferrari was really strict about who they let drive for them during races like this. Also Don't they only allow Italians to be on the Tech crews.

[StraightSix]

Racing has certainly lost another amazing driver and significantly historical figure. Phil Hill will always be remembered well.



Rip...
I was always under the impression the Ferrari was really strict about who they let drive for them during races like this. Also Don't they only allow Italians to be on the Tech crews.

I don't think so. If that were true, explain Ross Brawn...he's British.

There might have been a time when Italians were favored for positions on Ferrari's racing teams. But, that was likely many, many years ago.

[Big Baller]

Truly a great man...another very sad day for racing

[NewGen33]

I don't think so. If that were true, explain Ross Brawn...he's British. There might have been a time when Italians were favored for positions on Ferrari's racing teams. But, that was likely many, many years ago.

Maybe they just prefer Europeans, or that's all I'm seeing nowadays.

[EJ25RUN]

Maybe they just prefer Europeans, or that's all I'm seeing nowadays.

I think you just look at the TV at the right moments or something. I'm sure they might be mostly Italian for some of the more basic stuff like pit crew duties because i have been to Marenello and it is somewhat secluded but the head engineers are from all over the world. I know the Bridgestone tire man is Japanese.