Im Memoriam -- Phill Hill

Born Phillip Toll Hill, Jr. on April 20^th, 1927 in Miami, FL. Phill Hill was raised in Santa Monica, CA where he would reside his entire life.  As the sole US-born race driver ever to win the coveted Formula One World Championship, Hill was able to achieve the ultimate success in a sport few other Americans have ever even had the luxury of competing in.

 

For many people, the Formula One automotive racing series is an oft misunderstood and out of reach sport. With the generally unknown personalities (at least stateside – though not Canada), mid-night TV coverage times (due to the worldwide locales) and the over-abundance of other attention-grabbing professional athletics, Formula One is somewhat relegated to the hardcore enthusiasts. This group typically includes race fans in the know who can’t get their fix with IndyCar, SCCA, DTM, etc. or heaven forbid, NASCAR.

 

As a matter of fact, many people in racing may refer to NASCAR as the anti-F1, which offers a subtle distinction and stereotype that somewhat transcends auto racing and characterizes generalities between the US and the rest of the world, particularly Europe. For Hill to venture out and succeed in a “foreign” place should speak volumes to his worldly personality. The closest comparisons to him are the Italian-born Hall of Fame racer Mario Andretti, who also won the F1 champion (as the only other “American” naturalized in 1964) and Dan Gurney who enjoyed success in the series, though never a championship

 

To further emphasize the anomaly of American F1 racing, look no farther than the brief, if not forgettable, campaign that was Scott Speed who has significant promise and pedigree as a driver but was not able to capture a single championship point over three seasons.

 

In addition to F1, Hill was a three-time winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans (1958, 1961, 1962), three-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, and has the unique distinction as the first man ever to circle the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring in less than 9 minutes. After racing, Hill remained near the sport in car restoration, writing and judging (nearly 40 times a judge at Pebble Beach).

 

Phil Hill joins other racing legend and former rival, Paul Frère who passed away in February.

Comments

[anukexpat]

That should be "In Memoriam Phil Hill".