Who is the greatest American driver?

Racing events, drivers, cars or anything else from the past.
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jimclark
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#61

Post by jimclark »

Bottom post of the previous page:

Michael Ferner wrote: 2 years ago Monza and Elgin.

About "the Grand Prix", I thought you were old enough to know that there were times when there was only one Grand Prix (I know most of the younger ones posting here don't know or care). In fact, until 1968 it didn't need an actual name, it was officially just THE "Grand Prix" - it only became the "Grand Prix de France" when the FFSA took over from the ACF in the revolutionary year of 1968 (yeah, it was not only de Gaulle's old guard which disappeared that year! :wink:)
:omg: Let us not discuss age/ing......a very sore subject here!!! :annoyed: :tongue: :)
Again, I'm quibbling, but when you used "the" Grand Prix, rather than "The" Grand Prix, I didn't know to which you were referring. There were many races called "Grands Prix" that weren't "The" French "one"..... :)
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Michael Ferner
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#62

Post by Michael Ferner »

Not in the twenties...
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#63

Post by Everso Biggyballies »

Michael Ferner wrote: 2 years ago Not in the twenties...
Im confused. What about events like say the European Grand Prix at Monza in 1922, and French GPs at various venues (Le Mans, Strasbourg, Tours etc). Not a period I know much about beyond they had races I thought were Grand Prix. So I am admittedly uneducated in this era.

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jimclark
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#64

Post by jimclark »

Michael Ferner wrote: 2 years agoNot in the twenties...
Last time around, and I shall be brief as this subject is worn out.
Exceprted simply from my first Google find, Wikipedia, of course....

"In 1908, the United States of America became the first country outside France to host an automobile race using the name Grand Prix (or Grand Prize), run at Savannah. The first Grande Épreuve outside France was the 1921 Italian Grand Prix held at Montichiari. This was quickly followed by Belgium and Spain (in 1924), and later spread to other countries including Britain (1926)."
"These regulations were virtually abandoned in 1928 with an era known as Formula Libre when race organisers decided to run their events with almost no limitations. From 1927 to 1934, the number of races considered to have Grand Prix status exploded, jumping from five events in 1927, to nine events in 1929,"

Many races were called "The (something or other) Grand Prix". Yes, borrowing the infamy of the name, but, called a "Grand Prix" nonetheless. ;)
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#65

Post by Michael Ferner »

Forget the wikipedia tosh. The Savannah races were always called the "Grand Prize", pure and simple, never American Grand Prix or even US Grand Prix!! And the Italian race was the "Gran Premio Gentlemen" in 1921, then the "Gran Premio d'Italia" the following year. In English, it was always called the Italian Grand Prix, but not in Italy or France, or Germany for that matter. Same with the European Grand Prix (first held in 1923), all the while the French GP was always simply the "Grand Prix". But that's all incidental, isn't it? :wink:
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#66

Post by jimclark »

Michael Ferner wrote: 2 years ago Forget the wikipedia tosh. The Savannah races were always called the "Grand Prize", pure and simple, never American Grand Prix or even US Grand Prix!! And the Italian race was the "Gran Premio Gentlemen" in 1921, then the "Gran Premio d'Italia" the following year. In English, it was always called the Italian Grand Prix, but not in Italy or France, or Germany for that matter. Same with the European Grand Prix (first held in 1923), all the while the French GP was always simply the "Grand Prix". But that's all incidental, isn't it? :wink:
That's all fine and dandy..... Image
Nonetheless, they were called "The XXX Grand Prix". Because it doesn't suit you matters not. That's what they were called, which is why I asked what your "the Grand Prix" referred to. As we are discussing an American driver's career, races in the U.S. or anywhere, called a "Grand Prix", are quite relevant, whether you appreciate the title or not. ;)
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#67

Post by Michael Ferner »

Well, I tried to explain because you didn't seem to understand, but you ignore what I said and continue to blather on about your misconceptions. I think that's rude (and besides, it shows that you're a bit thick), but we all knew that already, didn't we.

If you don't want to know, then don't ask - that's a pretty straightforward act of courtesy, and I don't care if you don't like courtesy, I still demand it. And, if you don't know shit, then don't speak up at all - that'll save us all a lot of trouble. Thank you and good night.
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#68

Post by Rustyclockwork »

I vote for Mel Kenyon even though my favorite is Rick Mears.

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Everso Biggyballies
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#69

Post by Everso Biggyballies »

Rustyclockwork wrote: 2 years ago I vote for Mel Kenyon even though my favorite is Rick Mears.

Jason
For those not up to speed on Mel Kenyon I found this two part video telling all.... you have to watch them on youtube but click the link "Watch on youtube" link below.

MIRACULOUS MEL KENYON-THE CRASH & COMEBACK
Perhaps no other story in American motorsports is more inspiring than Mel Kenyon's. Badly burned and near death after a horrific Indy Car crash in 1965, the determined and courageous Lebanon, Indiana driver fought his way back to championship form, several times over


PART 2: MIRACULOUS MEL KENYON...the CONCLUSION
Lebanon, Indiana's Mel Kenyon survived a near-death Indy Car crash in 1965 at Langhorne Speedway, and fought his way back to championship form, winning 11 National Midget Series titles and earning four top-5 finishes in the Indianapolis 500. At 88 years young, he and his brother Don are still building race cars in their Lebanon-based race shop. Here is the conclusion to "Miraculous Mel Kenyon"..

* I started life with nothing, and still have most of it left


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* I married Miss Right. Just didn't know her first name was Always
Rustyclockwork
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#70

Post by Rustyclockwork »

Good stuff Everso!

Jason
Nononsensecapeesh
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#71

Post by Nononsensecapeesh »

AJ Foyt.
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#72

Post by Nononsensecapeesh »

Nononsensecapeesh wrote: 1 year ago AJ Foyt.
To tell the truth, that was just the first name that popped into my head.
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