I am amazed nobody has marked the passing of Chris Amon, apart from probably being only second to Jim Clark in ability among the ranks 1960s F1 drivers he was an exceptionally nice guy. Had he driven for any other team than Ferrari he would undoubtably been a world champion.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125598

[Edited on 7/8/16 by britishtrident]

The fact he survived is worth celebrating....... Try reading tales from the tool box, I've just finished it, best boom I've read in years

Tales from the Toolbox - Oliver, Michael NEW Paperback 31 Oct 2009 9781845841997

Sorry, somehow posted twice - removed!

[Edited on 8/8/16 by russbost]

I posted it on my facebook page.

Chris Amon was my childhood hero & I still think he was one of the greatest drivers of the era, he was incredibly unlucky with cars breaking literally on the last couple of laps of a Grand Prix. He did of course win at Le Mans in 1966 with Ford, but made some doubtful or unlucky choices with teams such as March & unfortunately his own GP team never had the funding to be a realistic competitor. I watched him come 3rd at the British Grand Prix after a spirited drive, Jim Clark won it. He did win some non-championship F1 races & I remember watching him at Brands, British GP 1976, I think, managing to drag the Ensign (which was far from being a top notch car) up to 3rd before it broke.

I'd always hoped I might see him at Goodwood FoS, but I think he only ever attended once or twice & I missed him

As said, a sad loss, but at least he got to make 73, it's a great deal better than most drivers of his time did ...............

At the very start of the Knockhill circuit Chris Amon was pitched the idea of starting a racing school there, wisely perhaps he didn't get involved other than a a reccie which co-incided with the first meeting.

There haven't been many drivers over the years who have had the natural talent Amon had but luck was one thing he never had, perhaps if he has stayed witch Bruce MacLaren it might have been very different and Maclaren history might have been differemt.

Sad, a driver of my youth. RIP Chris