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Post by mmi16 on May 21, 2019 12:16:16 GMT -8
Notice the curbing for 'track limits' was the kind that had to be respected!
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turn8
Full Member
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Pretty well effed up.
Posts: 206
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Post by turn8 on May 21, 2019 16:47:38 GMT -8
God Speed Niki Lauda
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Post by safetycar on May 21, 2019 19:24:58 GMT -8
RIP Nikki
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Post by kingfisher on May 21, 2019 22:36:15 GMT -8
What can one say about a legend? He was inspirational before the accident, afterwards transcendental. Having followed Ferrari for so many frustrating years prior to his signing with the team, he restored hope and pride within the team to it's rightful place in the history of the sport. The year following his horrific crash, I determined to see him at the Belgian GP. In 1977 one could approach quite close to the teams and cars in the "paddock" area which in this case was wherever in the grass surrounding the actual pits the teams could set up their tents and tools. I waited patiently for a long time just watching and hoping to get some pictures of him. At this time he was in a major "disagreement" with his teammate Carlos Reutemann as well as certain forces within the team itself. One can learn of this in his book; 'Meine Story'. Niki was in an intensely deep conversation with his engineer while I waited hoping to get a decent picture at least, if not a word or two with him. It became apparent that Niki was too preoccupied with the inter-team dynamics for that to occur unfortunately, but I could tell the atmosphere within that team was quite upsetting for him. I respected his distance and did not interfere, but for one magical moment (for me) he locked eyes with me and yet no one else. I had to settle for that, yet I hoped to convey some sense of admiration and support for him.
The story of attending my first Grand Prix there is very unique and filled with many special memories which I will forever hold with great fondness. Seeing my hero perform so well in changing conditions that threw up so many variables, from a vantage point that I could only dream of reproducing today, will never be forgotten. Niki finished 2nd to first and only-time winner, Gunnar Nilsson in his Lotus 78, whom sadly died of cancer the following year in 1978. My lasting impression of Niki's drive is of the scream of that flat-twelve engine at full throttle that shook the ground and pierced the air as well as my eardrums.
Monumental fight from the razor's edge of death to not only overcome the last rites administered, but amazingly win the world championship again the very next year!
Then repeat the feat with McLaren in 1984!
A true legend the likes of which we will never see again.
RIP my friend!
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Post by montybriscoe on May 22, 2019 14:49:04 GMT -8
I have two of his books, The Art and Science of Grand Prix Driving and Meine Story. Both excellent and insightful reads.
RIP Super Rat.
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Post by Placid on May 24, 2019 13:09:04 GMT -8
Say hi to Clay, Sir Jack, Roger, Gilles, James, Ronnie, and all the others from your era. And say hi to Charles Whiting as well.
This song is for you.
THANK YOU NIKO!!!!
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Post by olderguysrule on May 28, 2019 3:34:07 GMT -8
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Post by olderguysrule on May 29, 2019 3:05:39 GMT -8
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