You know what i really liked about that romantic era? Yes, there was money involved, but it was mainly about the passion for motorracing. The drivers, although they needed more bravery than nowadays, more seemed ordinary men that you could ask for a signature or even do a quick conversation with if you were lucky, now it all really has become something very stiff, only reserved for the elite of the elite, where you can't actually talk to or compare yourself to as a casual fan. It used to be a little bit more 'left wing'. I don't say i have no respect for the drivers nowadays, but for me these guys stay the real heroes forever. End of the '60s, begin '70s was the most dangerous but also the most beautiful of all motorsport eras. Thx for posting this little gem of a movie!
Every single successful spectator sport on the planet has been taken over by "federations" that rule them and sell them out for TV rights for BIG money. This is why motorsport has become so regulated and boring now. Todays drivers aren't people with a life, they start driving competitively at the age of 5 or 6 and know nothing else. Its sad. Business and corporations have taken over. I used to enjoy watching International Rugger games when you knew that the week after the top games the men playing would all be back at work, most in manual jobs, some in shops etc. Then it turned professional and the game changed, the people changed the players look like body builders etc. Sad sad world. I soumd like my forefathers, but boy do I understand them now when they said the same things about us !!!
Yes. not that long ago you could drive your MG, Triumph, 240Z, Jag, etc. to an SCCA race, paint on a number, tape the headlights, strap on your helmet, and go racing! TV money has killed all amateur sports. Even Olympics.
This piece is from, in my opinion, the best documentary ever on motor racing, "The Speed Merchants" by Michael Keyser. Shot in 1972, it debuted at Watkins Glen during the 1973 6Hour/Can-Am weekend where I saw it while I was there photographing a Porsche 917 driver for publicity. I miss the simplicity, and cars of those times.
Vic Elford a living legend. Pick up one of his driving books and appreciate his rally skills in the earliest 911s in the mid-‘60s. When men were men and sheep were scared.
When there was no fear of being sued. Because back then one owned their responsibility and acceptance of risk. Nor did every kid get a medal back then either.
5:15 Well, he wouldn’t. Later that year a stone went straight through his visor resulting in the loss of an eye and ultimately ending his driver career. But he still holds the lap record! Great video btw, thanks for sharing it!
Fantastic!I was too young for this but i love the total madness of it all!Vic Elford is one of my favourite drivers,multi talented in all manner of cars racing and rallying.Proper sounding cars not popping and banging every other bend......Great Film!
Yes, there was Can-Am too at that time. Can-Am had no upper displacement limit so the most powerful cars had 800hp engines, until Porsche arrived with their 917-10 turbo which developed more than 900hp. In USAC racing (Indycars were called that back then) they did a 200mph average speed lap (322km/h) in Ontario in 1972. The car developed around 1100hp and did around 240mph (388km/h) on the straights. Sporscar racing was pretty hairy too. Wish I had been alive back then. Pure racing.
Thanks to load this stuff on youtube!! Such a good ancient visual document!! Pure racing, romantic era of motoring sport unthinkable nowadays!!! why I didn´t see this before?? now is when I start to live...
This film makes me think what a safe, sanitised environment we have now, not just in motor racing but everywhere: a world for women. But not Sicilian women, apparently!
Lucky Baldwin Actually sand particles . Lived in Malta south of Sicily and people covered their cars when the strong winds laden with some sand were swept northwards from Tunisia!
This is part of a film called The Speed Merchants, and the music is simply the soundtrack to the film. I know there was a record album of it, and I believe it is available on cd. Try Amazon!
Vic Elford let us into the secret of this race. You have to drive as fast as possible, for as long as possible. So completely different than any other race then?
To Sam Lancaster - many thanks for your reply. Last year I went to Sicily and rode around the Targa roads on my motorcycle. Hard to imagine doing this at speed. What an era! Best, Hugh
That is exactly it. Nowadays it is all about what the car can do, talent and courage is barley made use of with these new cars making them boring as hell. During the documentary's era it was all about the drivers, their talent and their courage. They were true heroes.
