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Posted on 05/19/2014 6:55:47 AM PDT by ZirconEncrustedTweezers
Three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham has died, according to Australian media reports. He remains the only person ever to win an F1 championship in his own car. Brabham was 88.
Among his other feats, he was also the first person to win an F1 championship with an engine behind the driver, which he did in 1959 with the Cooper T51. Oh, and he was also the first race car driver to be knighted after World War II.
(Excerpt) Read more at jalopnik.com ...
He’s now with Jim Clark and all the other legendary men of F1 who’ve left us.
RIP
RIP Sir Jack
PING
It’s quite an achievement that he lived well into his 80’s when so many of his contemporaries died at the wheel.
F1 driver, only thing I ever wanted to be when I grew up.
I saw him drive F1 many times. Once at Watkins Glen Jack was attempting to pass another car in the last turn. The other drive (name?)put his left wheels off the track to throw dirt & pebbles at Jack. Jack gave him the finger as he sped by.
Watched the 1965 Indianapolis 500 from the Start/Finish line. It was amazing. It was LOUD.
The “Offys” (Offenhauser) engines would exhaust very LOUD POP POP POP ... going into Turn 1. It was great to see the “old roadsters” running.
Mario Andretti was hard on his car - he had the idea that the car should respond totally to whatever he wished.
I was rooting for Jimmy Clark, A.J. Foyt, and then (or was it later?) Lloyd Ruby. Seemed like a lot of women were for Parnelli Jones (I have no idea why).
Just about everything about the cars, except for the engine, transmission, and wheels, was something that some fellows could build in a garage or barn ... and many did.
There were no wings nor trim tabs, though there was *some* attention to the shape of various bonnets for items.
Leather was still in use. The roll bar and various frame and suspension tubes were not yet air-streamed. Suspension springs were outboard, instead of hidden beneath some body shell.
I’m not sure, but some of the roadsters might have been using drum brakes?
Well, Jack Brabham sure did start a revolution. It was a great time to see motor racing.
Along with noting Brabham’s passing, last week A.J. Watson passed away as well. Among other things, he built the last front-engined car to win at Indianapolis (1964, with A.J. Foyt at the wheel).
indeed... RIP Sir Jack
one of the last Gentleman Racers
The only driver to win the World Championship in a car of his design, driving for his own team. The Brabhams (of all types) were always beautifully designed and turned-out cars, embodying the maxim, if it looks right, it probably is right.
Sir Jack was a tribute to his sport and to his country. My wife stood in line for over an hour just to meet him at Goodwood Revival several years ago.
A long, full life, well lived. One cannot wish for more.
RIP
100%
RIP.
7 billion people in the world, only 22 get to be F1 drivers...
I know, gotta be rich, talented, connected and really lucky... But it would be awesome
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