This week in racing history (1997-06-08)

This Week in Racing History Mike Stucker

June 8
Lodovico Scarfiotti dies in practice for Rossfield Hillclimb (1968).

June 9
David Hobbs, racer and TV commentator, born (1939).

The Belgian Grand Prix becomes the first race in which F1 cars carry rear wings (1968).

June 10
Vic Elford, ralliest and sportcar racer, born (1935).

June 11
Dan Gurney (7 days before he will win the Belgian GP in a car of his own design) and A.J. Foyt (11 days after winning the Indianapolis 500) drive a Ford GT40 MkIV to victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They also win the Index of Thermal Efficiency. First (and only) all US win -- chassis, engine, team, and both drivers from US. First time a driver showers another with champaign (1967).

Jean Alesi, after 91 career F1 starts, wins his first Grand Prix, in Montreal, Canada, on his 31st birthday (1995).

June 12
Neil Oatley born (1954).

Andrea "DeCrasheris" DeCesaris starts his 200th Grand Prix... and DNFs (1994).

June 13
Drag racer Joe Amato born (1944).

Stockcar racer Cale Yarborough races a Chevrolet Camaro at Le Mans. His race only lasts 52 minutes and 54 secondss as he crashes into a guardrail after the Camaro's brakes fail (1981).

June 14
Porsche 550 driven by Paul Frere and Richard von Frankenberg wins 1500cc class at Le Mans. First Le Mans victory for Porsche (1953).

Rick Mears starts his 200th Indycar race, at Portland, Oregon (1992).

This is the one year anniversary of TWiRH. Wasn't sure I'd get this far. Thanks to everyone, especially Keith Gernert and Dave Reininger, who has contributed info or has corrected my errors. I'd also like to thank every book or magazine article author who actually included the dates of the events he or she wrote about.