Need for Speed
During the 1960s, three historic circuits - Monza, Rheims-Geux and Spa Francorchamps - vied for the title of fastest road course in the world. While Monza was a purpose built autodrome, the latter two were pure road circuits, their edges marked by straw bales, telegraph poles, trees and houses. For some drivers the ever-present dangers presented by these hazards simply amplified the challenge and the driver who rose to that challenge most completely was Pedro Rodriguez. Pedro has become synonymous with the JWA-Gulf Porsche 917 and he duly put the car on pole with an average lap speed of nearly 158 mph. The race took place at a furious pace, the two 917s of Rodriguez/ Kinnunen and Siffert/Redman trading places with the Ferrari 512 of Jacky Ickx and John Surtees. Pedro lowered the lap record to an average speed of over 160mph but was forced to retire, leaving the sister 917 to win from Ickx/Surtees. 3 weeks later, Pedro was back at Spa for the last Belgian Grand Prix to be held on the old circuit. He qualified a subdued 6th but drove an inspired race for BRM, beating Chris Amon to the flag after a race long duel. Such was the pace of the mighty 5 litre sports cars, Amon's fastest lap in the March 701 was a full 11 seconds slower than Pedro's lap record in the mighty 917.....
Sized 30" x 40"
For Sale
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