Post by backmarker on May 19, 2006 0:38:57 GMT 1
the challenge:
Tracks: Fujimo Kaido Down Hill A (3.83 miles); Fujimo Kaido Hill Climb (6.7 miles)
Class: Upgrades to class A
Car: Any A class
background:
Considered the epitome of the 1960s racing driver, double-world champion GRAHAM HILL was quick-witted, charming and rakish; his reputation off the track nearly equaling that on the track. A five time winner of the Monaco GP – a record held till Ayrton Senna’s 6th victory in 1993 – Graham Hill is the only driver to have completed motorsport’s “triple-crown”, winning Formula 1 titles, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 hr endurance,
Gaining his first title in 1962 with BRM, his second title came with Lotus in 1968. After team mates Jim Clark and Mike Spence were killed in early 1968, Hill led the team. The Lotus had a reputation of being very fragile and dangerous at that time, especially with the new aerodynamic aids which caused similar crashes of Hill and Jochen Rindt
Breaking both legs at the US Grand Prix in 1969 interrupted his career but at age 41, he did not retire. Instead he tried to race in F1 for several more years, with little success. After failing to qualify for the 1975 Monaco Grand Prix, he retired from driving to concentrate on running his team.
In November 1975, Hill was killed when his Piper Aztec aeroplane (which he was piloting at the time) crashed in foggy conditions over Arkley Golf Course in North London. Five members of the Embassy Hill F1 team, including up-and-coming driver Tony Brise, also died in the accident. It is believed that his altimeter was incorrectly calibrated, leaving Hill to believe he was 275 feet higher off the ground than he actually was.
His son, Damon, won the 1996 Formula 1 title, making them the only father/son winners.
The end
