The 2014 US Grand Prix is right around the corner. While we’re waiting to sit back on the couch and spend a weekend soaking up the action in Texas, let’s look back at some of the wildest moments the American GP has ever seen.
Opening Image: Ayrton Senna at the US Grand Prix 1990 (The Cahier Archive)
Sebring – 1959
In the final round of the 1959 Formula One World Championship, Jack Brabham runs out of fuel within earshot of the finish line. The overall Championship leader jumps out and pushes his car to complete the race, scoring the points and taking his first world title.
Watkins Glen – 1967
Jim Clark dominated the 1967 US Grand Prix, not even a broken suspension support in the rear right could keep him from winning the event for the third time. His ability to keep his injured car in the race secured a 1-2 finish for Lotus, with Graham Hill around six seconds behind.
Long Beach – 1977
A terrific win for Mario Andretti on home soil, who passed Jody Scheckter (1m 29s in the video above), and snatched victory in front of the elated crowd. “Winning any race is a highlight,” Andretti later said, “but there’s something special about winning your home race”.
Las Vegas – 1981
In 1981 Formula One visited Las Vegas, more specifically, the Ceasers Palace car park! It was a terrific novelty, and the race is remembered for seeing Carlos Reutemann’s chances at the title fade, Alan Jones win and Nelson Piquet walk away with the championship.
Long Beach – 1983
John Watson drove incredibly well at the 1983 US Grand Prix, coming back from 23rd position to win the race outright. It was a fantastic effort, however the race is better remembered for Rosbergs famous spin. Just watch the video!
Dallas – 1984
Nigel Mansell was a fighter, there’s no doubt about that. At the 1984 USA GP he quite literally passed out on the racetrack while attempting to push his car over the finish line. That’s commitment to the cause.
Detroit – 1988
Whilst Ayrton Senna was winning his third straight US Grand Prix, Nelson Piquet was busy filming for the upcoming feature “Lap of the Gods”. Of course he was racing too, and maybe a little too hard as he ended up in the street circuit wall after getting on the power a little bit too early.
Phoenix – 1990
Ayrton Senna and Jean Alesi face off in one of the greatest Formula One duels ever captured on camera. This was an US Grand Prix to remember!
Indianapolis – 2005
The greatest farce in Formula One history, the 2005 USA Grand Prix is remembered for one very wrong reason. The event saw just six of the twenty cars actually started the race after concerns surrounding the ability of Michelin’s supplied tyres to withstand the high speed of turn 13 at Indianapolis. The teams withdrew and just Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi competed. Paying customers never forgave F1.
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