Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Lou Drozdowski on Thursday,December 18, 2014, 09:31:17 AM
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Remember when, motor sport was introduced to tobacco? or, All the nice girls...love a sailor.
With special thanks to an article written by Ken Davies.
The popular perception is that this major breakthrough in securing revenue for motor racing was brokered by the imaginative and creative Colin Chapman. But, for the record the first appearance of Gunston cigarettes on the cars of John Love and Sam Tingle at Kyalami in a non championship race was the watershed event.
Chapman however, would be the first to test the waters of corporate sponsorship in January 68 at the Lady Wigram Tasman meeting. Having secured the amount one hundred thousand pounds the Players Navy cut logo appeared on Clark and Hill's Lotus 49.
At first, the organizers balked and threatened to disqualify the team but, Chapman relented stating that Clark was the drawing card and the event was doomed to fail if not allowed to race. Winning handily in New Zeland, Chapman's next foray was to bring the red & white cars to Brands Hatch for the race of champions. This time it was England's ITV who complained after the second practice session. Broadcasting would be cancelled if the logo remained, so Chapman duly had the mechanics tape over the sailors beard and the race was televised. Chapman realizing the poor quality of TV at the time had his victory and kept the sponsors happy.
The rest is history, as Monaco 1968 is commonly regarded as the beginning of tobacco money in F1...less we forget the beard.
Before continuing with the fabled liveries of Gold Leaf / John Player and the type 72...
I begin this topic with Clark's 48 pictured at Hockenheim in his last race as a tribute to the "Flying Scotsman". ld
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I think sponsorship started the end of what I'll call the "romantic" period but ushered in the "modern" age. The distinction I'm trying to draw is similar to the difference between college football before and after money became involved. It's the difference between a sport and a business.
That's certainly not to say that the money that started trickling - and then rushing - into racing was bad. There were lots of benefits, not the least of which is to make it available to more people and thus increasing its popularity. Of course the money allowed for amazing technological advancements - many of them finding their way to more pedestrian vehicles. But I don't think it is arguable that for good or evil, the "flavor" of F1 changed.
On the more general issue of money in racing, an interesting story was told in the move, "1" (available on Amazon Prime and Vudu). Bernie Ecclestone purchased world wide television rights for F1 races for $1M and turned to the ten top teams and offered to sell it to them for $100K each. All but one turned him down because they thought they could use that money for more testing!
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The car that most defined the whole first half of the 1970's was the Lotus 72. It's partly because the 72 participated in as much as 6 seasons and 74 World Championship races while winning 20 Grand Prix, 2 driver championships and 3 constructor titles. Designed by Maurice Phillipe and supervised by Colin Chapman the 72 would bring many unique and revolutionary changes to formula one.
It's wedge shape was taken from the ill fated type 56 and rule changes would see the first side mounted radiators and air box fitted to improve aerodynamic flow. All 4 brake systems were now inboard to take advantage of un sprung weight. Anti dive and anti squat geometry along with a full rear wing would ensure a constant road clearance irrespective of fuel load under acceleration or braking.
The 72 would make it's first appearance in Spain 1970...teething troubles would see drivers Rindt and Miles struggle and the following BDRC trophy race at Silverstone would also bring poor results. After modifications the 72 finally came good with Rindt winning four consecutive races and insure his huge lead in the drivers standing. ld
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Were rule changes required to allow side mounted radiators?
The late '60s and early '70s was a period of a perfect storm in racing. Huge simultaneous advances in aerodynamics, engines, and tires made for quantum leaps on performance and Chunky was at the forefront of the first two.
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Were rule changes required to allow side mounted radiators?
No not required...Sorry for the misconception, the issue of keeping the weight towards the rear was really the main reason. With fuel bladders mandatory and a good frontal area for aero to begin with, more rear weight bias was needed for traction. The following season would see side impact crush sections required and most teams went away from frontal radiators. ld
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Yeah, that's what I thought. I suspect that Chunky was influenced by Chaparral. They were the first modern car to have side radiators that I'm aware of. That was '66. Movable suspension mounted wings also came from Chaparrals till they were banned and thus the chassis mounted wings on the 72.
That's all I'm going to say about Chaparrals! I don't want to get carried away and being a big Chaparral fan, I easily could and this is a Lotus forum! :)
Besides the factors you mentioned vis a vis side radiators, another advantage was there was of course less plumbing and less water. I didn't know that side impact crush zones had come into play that early. But maybe that's not that surprising. A friend drove a mid '70s March Formula Atlantic car that had foam filled fiberglass bulges on the side of the tub that were supposed to absorb some side impact and they certainly would lag F1 technology.
Cool cutaway picture! Thanks!
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I have always admired the stunning black and gold scheme.
The JPS branding would make the Lotus 72 one the most visual appealing and recognizable liveries in F1. ld
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Agreed. The black/gold livery on all the Lotus F1 cars was the most stunning of all the cars at the time.! IIRC, back then, it was thought it was bad luck to paint your car black. Another barrier broken by Chunky!
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Back in the day when...It was OK to light up. I thought this appropriate for the topic. ld
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I expect Jochen was smoking Gold Leaf and Gunnar was smoking JPS!
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I just watched "The Secret Life of Colin Chapman" on youtube. In it they say that although his cars were sponsored by cigarette companies, Chapman didn't like cigarettes and didn't want people to smoke at work. I guess smoking in public was something he couldn't control, especially if you're sponsored by a cigarette company!
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In retrospect...The death of Jochen Rindt was avoidable for the fact he was never comfortable in the cockpit with a 6 point harness. Although suffering serious leg injuries at the time of his Monza accident, it was the submarine effect that cost him his life. Post race inspection determined one of the inboard discs failed causing the car to pitch. His lap belt buckle had cut his jugular vein and precious time was lost while he was removed from the wreck.
The attached photo is from the ill-fated practice session. ld
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It is also my understanding that he chose to drive his car without wings. In the movie, "1", John Miles said driving the 72 without wings scared him to death. The irony is that Rindt, who was not shy about telling Chunky that he would not drive a certain car because it was too dangerous, was killed when he made his car more dangerous.
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Now that's what I call a serious Lotus 72 lover...ld
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That really is serious! I think he goofed, though. The 72 was a great car, but the 79 was probably prettiest car of the modern era.
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The 72 in the hands of "'Fast Eddie" for team Gunston. Some tidbits about this race meeting....
A total of active and future (6) World champions participated, 1st woman raced, 1st home race won by a South African, 4 Lotus 72's entered...Can you name the Lotus drivers?
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Ok guys, I'll start with an admission that I'm not really very much of a F1 fan and to add more fuel to the fire, this post isn't even about Lotus...... ::)
But this week I watched a dvd my wife bought me at Christmas (I'm kinda slow with such things) all about Jackie Stewart and his attempt at Monaco in 1971, which is roughly in the Tobacco Years theme.
And it was brilliant ! Not a lot of Lotus as you'd expect but a few personalities of the period, lots of Ken Tyrell with Graham Hill in there plus a few more even I recognized. Set over 3 days of the race and very reminiscent of home video recording it shows them setting up the car, the practices and social life and of course some footage of the race itself. It's quite sobering in places, at one point Polanski was talking with Helen Stewart about racing and she came out with "everyone we know since Jackie started has either crashed or been killed". Which isn't the normal thing you'd see on a job advert, is it ?
If anyone decides to watch it I won't spoil the ending which is excellent and shows just how far the sport has moved since the 68-73 era.
It's called "Weekend of a Champion" with Jackie Stewart & Roman Polanski, issued by Universal films.
Brian
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The 72 in the hands of "'Fast Eddie" for team Gunston. Some tidbits about this race meeting....
A total of active and future (6) World champions participated, 1st woman raced, 1st home race won by a South African, 4 Lotus 72's entered...Can you name the Lotus drivers?
Graham Hill, Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt... Past & future champions
Lella Lombardi driving a March...Jody wins for Tyrell...Guy Tunmer and Eddie Keizian for team Gunston.
And of course, Super Swede with the Belgian bomber pictured with Peter Warr and Colin.
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The garage door is frozen shut...I needed something to change my frame of mind...ld
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That will do it! :beerchug:
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Now that is truly Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious! :FUNNY:
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A few facts about the type 72...In the almost six years of longevity only 9 chassis were constructed. One of the workhorse chassis versions was R5. With fifty six starts under it's belt, her maiden outing was at Watkins Glen 1970. Brian Henton was the last team driver to saddle up at the Glen in 1975. Mainly driven by Fittipladi and Jacky Ickx...who is credited with 22 starts in R5, both Dave Charlton and Jim Crawford had starts. ld
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The 72 was probably the most enduring F1 car in the modern era. That an aluminum tub would last as long as 56 starts - is that almost four years? - is amazing not only from the standpoint of its advanced design but also from a durability standpoint (I read that when Penske bought the Can Am wining McLaren M6A, the tub had to be completely rebuilt because it was so worn out - and that season was only six races!).
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Two great shots from Monaco, front and rear...In the hands of Dave Walker. Of all the color schemes on the 72...the early d version and the first years of John Player / Texaco branding seems to be my favorite. With gold wheels and mirrors to match, and with the anvil air box, for me the best looking Formula One car of that era bar none...ld
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Car control...A flying leap for Emerson in Germany and Ronnie drops in at Monaco...Wonderful!
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More great photos, Lou! Emmo and Ronnie were two of the best!
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I love that fantastic photo of Emmo. Very cool!
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More great photos, Lou! Emmo and Ronnie were two of the best!
A few more ... Ronnie and raindrops...the delicate dance on slicks in the wet...eyes wide open.
Emerson drifts by...read the rubber...neutral steer is a great feeling! ld
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Love them both but especially the picture of Ronnie in the rain!
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Hockenheimring 1970...Jochen Rindt takes the checker in this thrilling duel with Jacky Ickx. A hard fought victory was his reward as the race featured a nose to tail battle for 50 laps between the Gold leaf team and Ferrari. The margin at the end was a scant .7 of a second giving him a 20 point lead in the championship. Dennis Hulme in the McLaren took the final spot on the podium...Color me in Red and Gold !
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Ahh... when race cars looked like race cars instead of bugs...
Thanks for the memories!
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Ahh... when race cars looked like race cars instead of bugs...
Thanks for the memories!
No fancy systems or driver aids of today...A wheel, three pedals and a shifter.ld
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Things were sure more simple then! Not to take anything away from the drivers today, but I think it required more of the driver than cars today.
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When sex was safe and the racing was dangerous...Boy, how times have changed!
Silverstone 1973...Pit walkers and Ronnie blasts off the line.
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When men were men and women were glad of it! No launch control (or anything like it) there!
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The paddock walk in the old days!
I'll bet some of you have a more "clinical environment" for your own fiddling. ld
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It really is astounding the changes in facilities, cars, technology, and drivers over the years.
I saw where they analyze the gearbox oil - and certainly the engine oil - after every practice. Something tells me that practice started much later than this picture! ;D
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The paddock walk in the old days!
I'll bet some of you have a more "clinical environment" for your own fiddling. ld
Fantastic picture!
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Bengt Ronnie Peterson...One of my favorite all time racers. With a F1 career that saw him with 123 starts, he amassed a total of 10 wins 14 poles and 26 podium finishes. Starting with March then Lotus, March again, Tyrell and back to Lotus he drove the 72 for six of his victories. The "Super Swede" always seemed to be on the ragged edge, his powered sideways drifts in a corner were to be his trade mark. Frustrated with having to play second fiddle to Emerson in his first go round, he soured at the aging 72 and only with his pure talent, coaxed the ole mule onwards till the end of 1975.
His second stint with Lotus would see him in the 78 and 79 chassis...but that's another story!
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I read that Ronnie would frustrate Chunky because he would come in and Chunky would ask him what he felt and he never gave much of an answer. They would make some significant changes and then go out and lap just as fast or faster. He didn't seem to be able to tell them what changes needed to be made and it didn't seem to matter! He seemed to adapt his style to the car.
He was an amazing, underrated talent.
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BDA agreed...Ronnie wasn't much as a developer until his later years. The P34 six wheeler Tyrell really got him to change his approach, and with his later term with Colin in the 78 and 79 things got better. Teaming with Mario was a huge factor also.
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Can you name the gentlemen and driver chatting with Colin?
There will be a quiz...ld
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My WAG: Peter Revson?
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WAG = wild ass guess...nope...look for the clues.
My WAG: Peter Revson?
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The gentleman looks to be Rob Walker.
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The gentleman looks to be Rob Walker.
Very good JB....The former F1 entrant turned journalist, was a great ambassador to the sport.
Can you name the driver? Here's another clue...ld
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Rob Walker looked so young in that picture that I didn't recognize him, but I did see the pit board for Rindt so he's the driver.
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Walker and Miles?
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Ok, I'm going to change my vote to Miles, but I won't share any of Roger's glory if he's right.
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Ok, I'm going to change my vote to Miles, but I won't share any of Roger's glory if he's right.
Good choice Roger, yes it was John Miles...who first used the 72a in Belgium. Jochen Rindt remained in the 49c as development continued on the fledgling 72. Found this great shot of Jochen blasting up the hill at Spa that day on his way to victory.
ps...Both drivers were now using a white colored Bell star full face helmet for the first time, the only difference was Rindt's face shield was clear while Miles chose yellow. ld
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Air box evolution...the development of the 72 can be quickly identified by it's style. The early version (a) was without while later models had a host of interesting changes starting with dual plenums at the rear sides of the roll hoop. The raised short snorkel shape followed, to be replaced by the flat anvil. This was later increased in size to allow better engine cooling and ram effect. The "periscope" was used for a short time and proved to be ineffective towards performance. The final large box style (tall anvil) would be used from then on. ld
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Very interesting history of snorkels on the 72! Thanks, Lou!
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Umbrella fashion ... when everything was done outside regardless of the weather.ld
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More great pictures, Lou! Thanks!
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What?! No pretty girls to hold the umbrellas?
Great pics Lou, thanks.
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What?! No pretty girls to hold the umbrellas?
Great pics Lou, thanks.
Actually yes, and a few more curves to negotiate...ld
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Thanks for posting these important pictures, Lou!
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Yes indeed! :I-agree: Cheers Lou
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Out of all the 9 chassis produced of the type 72, the honor of most laps ever turned goes to...
Still running today, supported by Classic Team Lotus. ld
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So advanced for its time, so archaic now!
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BDA...To answer your question found in "Wheel men of the 49"
When did we first see slicks first used in F1?
The tire war between Goodyear and Firestone began at the Spanish grand prix at Montjuich Park in 1971. ld
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Thanks, Lou!
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Can you imaging the F1 of today pitting in the sand and grass. I really dig that photo.
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Or timing and scoring done by wives and girlfriends of the drivers? Or bringing your F1 car on the back of a VW flat bed truck like Pete Lovely did? Or not using seat belts (let alone a harness)? Or racing in a magnesium tub (that could catch fire if, for example it scraped the ground when a tire went flat, and be impossible to put out) like Dan Gurney did? Or drive in a car surrounded by fuel bladders that ruptured in an accident like all of them did? Or have an average of one driver die during the season?
F1, and all racing, has changed A LOT over the years! The facilities are much better, the technology is amazing and thankfully, it is much safer! Now, if the cars were not so ugly and could look as good as they used to!
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2 laps to warm the tyres up and get the sand off the rubber. The first bend would be a challenge !
Love the refuelling kit.
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The unveiling of the legendary type 72...
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Another leap forward!
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Before it came together for the 72...
Early rework the anti squat and dive geometry was needed to bring back some driver "feel"...
Miles gets ready for the debut at Spa.
I like the second shot ... notice the twin rear oil coolers with center tank...with the rear wing removed you can make out the small channel ducts fitted to the top of the coolers which lie directly under the top main wing cascade. ld
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I chose the photo of Emerson for the interesting decal...the only time the car was raced with another sponsor other than the traditional JPS, Texaco, Firestone branding that year. Can you name the company's product?
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I think you mean the thing that doesn't even look like part of the picture with what looks like 'YPF' in it, not 'Ford', right? If is is 'Ford', I'd guess they make cars ;D, but I have no idea what the 'YPF' thing is all about!
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Can you name the company's product?
Petroleum
(http://i66.tinypic.com/r9l8k4.jpg)
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So now everybody knows I was too lazy to google YPF :o
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So now everybody knows I was too lazy to google YPF :o
:FUNNY:
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I thought it would be nice to add a little art culture to this topic. Funny but, I sometimes find they can represent more to the senses than a conventional photo. Show me a race car design or drawing anytime...
So, here are a few renderings...of one of my enamored Lotus drivers, Ronnie Peterson in the Type 72.
Hope you like them!...ld
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Those are great, Lou! I especially like the first one. I agree with you. Sometimes, art can capture more action than a photograph.
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I love the artist renderings. Thanks Lou.
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Revolution to evolution...Two back end images on how the 72 chassis was to evolve.
A good understanding of development can be seen...materials, position and function. From the purpose built early trials on the grid at Hockenheim to the "Batmobile" look....ld
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A lot of changes during the 72s tenure including treaded tires to slicks!
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Then and Now...
A special thanks go out to Classic Team Lotus for the preservation of this iconic machine.
Today, as in days passed, showcased and driven through the skill and unique determination of all involved at the workshops under the supervision of Clive Chapman in Hethel. Thanks for keeping the memories alive!
ps...Katusaki Kubota pilots the 72 at the FIA Masters F1 at Spa
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Belated Birthday Jochen Rindt...April 18 1942
A detailed look of the first air box configuration, and the triple element wing used on the race ready 49 in the back round.ld
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:happy-bday: Jochen!
It's interesting that this car has those NACA ducts but they went away in later versions.
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Although there have been subtle changes to the circuit, Monte Carlo has remained the jewel to F1's famed calendar. As we saw in this morning's q3...a millimeter can make all the difference. Just ask Max Verstappen.
Back in 74...It was Lauda's Ferrari with a pole time of 1.26.3
Today, Ricciardo nailed a 1.13.622....That's a little more than 3 tenths faster per year for 42 years.
The winner then...Ronnie Peterson with the type 72.
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Great picture of Super Swede! The next (and last) Lotus win at Monaco was Senna in 1987.
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Having captured the 1967 Swedish Formula 3 championship, Reine Weisell was hired on at team Lotus to replace John Miles after his leaving in the wake of Jochen Rindt's death. His Formula 1 career spanned only 23 races and scored a total of 13 championship points. His best result... a 3rd at Watkins Glen occurred in his first race driving the 72 behind eventual winner Fittipaldi and Pedro Rodriguez in a BRM. He later campaigned for BRM and private entries in a March before leaving racing in 1974.
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Thanks for the photos of one of the more obscure 72 drivers. That got me curious about John Miles and why he left Lotus. He had a dreadful time even while Rindt was blowing everybody away. He was a very successful driver prior to his stint with Lotus so it seems that he just may not have been suited for F1.
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:coolpic:
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They say that imitation is the purest form of flattery. During the 73 season, Lotus was in a ding dong battle with Tyrell. Both teams trying to out due each other in the quest for the championship. Here is a rare comparison shot of the 005 Tyrell with Francois Cevert testing a wedge nose almost identical to the 72...It did not meet the teams expectations and was never raced.
Meanwhile, back in the pit lane for the final race at Watkins Glen... It was to be Jackie Stewart's 100Th GP...Sadly, Cevert was killed during Saturdays practice and the team decided to withdraw in honor of their driver.
(footnote)...I walked to the top of the esses that night, and happened to find a shard of Cevert's car...I still have it!
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I just read an old Motor Sport article..."Breakfast with John Miles"... where he was discussing that fateful weekend in Italy in 1970. John had arrived late for breakfast, sitting next to Jochen eating a hard boiled egg. He said..."I can't drive the car that way!"...Jochen replied "don't worry you'll be alright.
You see..earlier on Friday, Colin had decided that the only way to really go fast was to remove the wings on the 72. With the help of mechanics Dick Scammell, Eddie Dennis and Beaky Sims, Jochen's car was made ready. On track that day, Miles recalled how Jochen flew by him while entering the Curva Grande and almost leaving the track limits at Ascari. The decision was then made to alter Miles' 72 for Saturday. When John arrived for the morning warm up there sat his car...less front and rear wings. A third car for Emerson was effectively trashed on Friday with a suspected brake shaft failure at the Parabolica. The crew spent the overnight repairing the damage and were completely exhausted.
John follows Jochen on his installation lap and notices Jochen's car twitching violently under braking. He returns to the box and tells Colin that the car is "evil" and won't drive it this way. Colin replies "Do as I say"...and tells John to head out again. The moment had arrived, word comes from the track that Jochen had crashed. So Colin asks Miles to go see what's happened. Unfortunately, the marshals have the track closed at the end of the Lesmos.
Though no definitive answer was found, a post-crash examination also showed a front brake shaft failure...similar to what caught Emerson out on Friday. Colin and Maurice Philippe were aware of the recent failures but, Miles was convinced...it was time to retire.
Was it the brake shaft?...no wings?...Jochen not using crotch belts?...
As we have learned from airline incidents, it's a combination of all these issues - the "Cascade effect"
As a footnote...The previous race at Zeltweg Miles retired after only 4 laps with a left front brake shaft failure...In my humble opinion it was the root cause for the accident, but having the crotch belts most likely would have spared Jochens life. ld
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Thanks again for the (painful) memories, Lou! The movie, 1, did not go into nearly that depth about Jochen's crash, but in it, Eddie Dennis says that Jochen asked that the wings be taken off. Memories can certainly fade after forty years and given Chunky's penchant for going for the bleeding edge, it sounds in character for him. Miles said in the movie that without the wings, the car was undrivable to him and it was the only time he was really scared in a race car.
A couple of other points: In 1, John Barnard states that the first job of a car designer is to make the car fast (left unsaid was that safety was secondary). Also, I'm reminded how Regazzoni crashed heavily at Long Beach, ending his F1 career, when his titanium brake pedal broke. One of my engineering professors was appalled they would allow titanium to be used in a welded critical piece like that. But for those caught up in it, it was all about how to make the car fast and safety was secondary. It wasn't just Barnard, or Chunky, or Rindt. Ironically, Jochen may have been the first driver to refuse race a car (Lotus) because he didn't consider it to be safe. Whoever made the decision to take the wings off - it was done when Jochen and Lotus had a nearly unassailable lead in the championship.
As for not wearing the crotch belts - I wouldn't be surprised if that had been the final determining factor. Racing harnesses were not commonly used then. I believe it was Mansell in the movie who said that the idea was to get thrown clear in the case of an accident. I'm certainly not in a position to disagree, but I did read that when Gurney was driving his magnesium tub Eagle, he was acutely aware that if he got a flat, his car would likely catch fire and it would be impossible to put it out. He said he chose not to wear belts so he could get out quickly if he had to, but that may be a distinction without a difference.
Watching 1, I am impressed that so many fatalities could have been avoided by using simple safety equipment and employing reasonable track marshalling even without the fancy carbon fiber tubs that protect drivers so well now.
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A very interesting post, Lou. I have always been intrigued by that particular incident, and the conflicting stories on what really took place.
BDA, I'm not sure I have heard of the movie 1. Is this a documentary? Approximately how long ago was it released?
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1 is a documentary that came out in 2013. Here's the IMDB page (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2518788/). I think it's available on Amazon Prime for a couple of bucks. I caught it on NBC Sports (they broadcast the F1 races in the States) and saved it to my DVR. It's a great history of F1 with a focus on the safety issue. I've watched it at least half a dozen times. If you enjoy F1 - and especially some of the history - I think you'll really like it.
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Thank you very much, sir, I'll check it out. Cheers.
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Looked it up on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/1-Michael-Fassbender/dp/B00FL0D7VS/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1472487631&sr=1-1&keywords=1+movie.
Enjoy!
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The stunning red & gold cars...
Jochen at speed at the dunes in Holland....1970
Emerson plants it thru the corner ahead of Tim Schenken in France...1971
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Goodwood Members Meeting 2016
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Goodwood Members Meeting 2016
Steve...A big Goodwood fan here, I watch the member races via live stream. Great to see those relics being hurled about.
I hope one day to see the meeting in person.
On a different note, since you posted a picture of Nillson's mount....
Happy Birthday to the Gunnar.
Although he never drove the 72, he deserves a mention to all Lotus followers as a bright light extinguished too early.
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Extinguished too early indeed. R.I.P. and Happy Birthday Gunnar. (I'm sure those two 'well wishes' don't really belong together, but there you are...)
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Lou - I'm lucky to live quite close to Goodwood - and it is a really nice drive too. The last members meeting had some really bad accidents - lots of delays - helicopter ambulance parked on the track. One poor guy left the track and ended up in a pedestrian walkway that goes under the home straight. He didn't have serious injuries and luckily no one was walking through at the time. A lot of cars were seriously damaged - not sure how the other drivers fared with injuries.
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I am intrigued by photos that capture the raw speed and violent forces at work at the limit...hence the attached pictures show the difference in tire deflection.
Fittipaldi working with the soft slick Goodyear rubber seem to be rolling right off the wheel rims...
Rindt's harder grooved Firestone tires growing taller as he exits a fast corner...lovely, just lovely.
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Interesting pictures, as usual, Lou! Do you know what's behind the "YPF" number on Emo's car? And when did they go treaded tires to slicks?
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Thought you might enjoy a short video I shot several years ago at The Lotus Festival at Snetterton, UK June 26, 2011. They had a number of Historic Lotus F1 cars on the track. Type 25, Type 58, Type 79, Type 101 and Type 102.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZgpZ1UrD5I
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Interesting pictures, as usual, Lou! Do you know what's behind the "YPF" number on Emo's car? And when did they go treaded tires to slicks?
BDA...Both your questions can be answered on page 5 of this thread...ld
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Where I had the same questions! A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Geez!
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Great photos Lou. Makes one wonder just what keeps the tire bead on the rim. Intriguing physics at work.
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I decided to post about Dave Charlton from South Africa...who passed away at the age of 76 back in 2013.
Although his career in Formula One is obscure to say the least, he was an accomplished racer in his home country. Six time F1 champ from 1970 thru 1975. Driving a total of 11 races in the worlds championship, he scored no points.
His races in the 72d were...1DNQ ,1DNS, 4DNF...but, he also holds the unique privilege of driving the 49c to a 12Th place finish for Scuderia Scribante at S.Africa in 1970. Having only one race with the Lotus factory team, he qualified well, but, his engine expired a few laps into the British GP.
The Lucky Strike livery...there was plenty of smokes to be had...the dollars too!....need I say, a few tired Cosworth's also contributed to all the extra smoke!
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The glitz and glamour...things weren't always Champagne and fish eggs.
Did you know Cowboys can shoot, ride, rope and usually make anything go faster!
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Jacques Bernard Ickx
He drove for just about everyone...Factory teams, privateers you name it. He drove just about everything...Started on Zundapp 50 cc trial bikes, Cortina's and all sorts of saloons, F2, F1, Can Am, Sport prototypes, endurance and Dakar. His accomplishments are many. Just to mention a few...
Six time Le Mans winner, eight F1 wins, twenty five podiums, Can Am champ in 1979, Paris to Dakar Champion 1983, Bathurst winner, twice touring Champion with the Lotus Cortina.
F1 cars..Tyrell Matra,Cooper,Ferrari,Brabham,Yardley Mclaren,Williams,Lotus,Wolf,Ensign,Ligier and Hesketh!
I won't go into detail on his career in this post. There's not enough time or space...I just wanted to say that he was, and is considered amongst the elite in motor racing. His name alone is synonymous with winning in every category of race craft.
I always admired his loner style, but questioned his politics at times, reminding me of a Euro version of Steve Mcqueen.
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One of the last holdouts of the safety revolution being lead by Jackie Stewart. He was such an independent that I don't think he joined the Grand Prix Drivers Assn. I wasn't aware of the breadth of his experience and achievement.
Thanks, Lou!
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One of the last holdouts of the safety revolution being lead by Jackie Stewart. !
He was opposed to the Le Mans start, bewildered by the tendency of many drivers to hop into their cars and take off quickly with no regard for safety, not doing up their belts until they were flying down the Mulsanne Straight. He claimed that such recklessness was absurd considering the 24 hour length of the race. I forget the year (I think he was driving a GT-40) but I remember the film footage of him protesting the Le Mans start by walking to his car instead of running, then methodically climbing into the car, getting comfy, and doing up his belts properly before getting underway. He had to run the last half of the distance to the car, though, as other less concerned drivers had already reached their cars are were blasting by him as he crossed the track.
I must admit, the rush and insanity of the old Le Mans start always amused me. It seemed that drivers took such a chance of wrecking their car on the start of a 24 hour race, for very little real gain.
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I think maybe Ickx was maybe more opposed to the "safety movement" on individualistic grounds - i.e. more opposed to unions and their tactics - than against added safety features. Even so, some drivers were more interested in going fast and safety was a secondary issue and felt that Stewart was going too far. John Barnard, the car designer, said as much - that the first task of the car designer was to make a fast car... Thankfully, Stewart had the stature to really get the ball rolling. At the risk of repeating myself (yet again), I recommend the movie 1. It's available on Amazon prime and chronicles the history of Formula 1 with safety changes as a subtext.
I agree with you and Ickx about Le Mans starts. They are exciting, but dangerous and stupid. I did one once very early in my short racing career. It was cool because you felt like a "real race driver", but as soon as you were ready to take off, you had the scary situation of cars going all over the place and having to find a way into the melee. Luckily, everybody made it through ok, but it made an impression!
I've heard stories like how Gurney, speeding down the Mulsanne Straight at 200 mph, realized he had to buckle his belts and held the steering wheel with his knees to do it. And on the other end of the spectrum - the Chaparral team would not leave till all the belts were properly fastened.
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A little white shop with green doors...like a time warp, it's living history all over again.
Soon to be vacated, the Classic Team Lotus new facility is nearly finished.
If you want a tour...check out the article...wwwpetrolicious.com
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I am glad I got to visit the original office and shop before "progress" stepped in. I was in awe of the simple aspect of the entire Classic Team Lotus shop and the history behind it. On one of my visits was fortunate to have dinner with Bob Dance, spending the evening talking about his "life with Lotus". Several years later we met up again at a LOG event and then a few more times. Bob and Clive have always been extremely generous with their time and very open to pursuing conversations with enthusiasts, which they demonstrate time and time again.
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I was curious about the first chassis (R1) and it's history...seems it has seen a traveled ownership. First campaigned by John Miles, it was reworked by the team to correct the suspension geometry and designated (R4). Colin, never to waste the investment sold it to Rob Walker, who in the hands of Jo Siffert struggled to keep her competitive. With Walker's move to a Surtees chassis, the car was sold back to Siffert who planned to use it as a rent a ride for club meetings. With Siffert's untimely death the car was then purchased by the Fittipaldi brothers, painted Black & Gold and used for display purposes. It returned to England some eleven years later and rebuilt, by new owner John Foulston, a computer magnet and then co owner of Brands Hatch. Raced by his wife Mary in a few Historic meetings, the fate of this iconic masterpiece to the best of my research had not turned a wheel in anger since 1991.
Still...a wonderful piece of engineering art, if only to look at!
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With today's F1 schedule the jet setters visit some 20 venues...Back in the day it was common practice for the teams to race in non championship events, when there was a long brake between races. Since the majority of the circus were based in England, the locals had a chance to test close to home.
Some rare shots at the Oulton Park meeting in 1972,...mud included!
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F1 racing is SO much more civilized now!
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superb photographs!
Thanks Lou,
Mark
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Two perspectives...Emerson at Monte Carlo
The first shows a clear and detailed almost calm quality...
The second captures the brutal power and time warp sensation...you can almost feel it!
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With appreciation from the Facebook page of Emerson Fittipaldi, his tribute photo to the life of chief mechanic Eddie Dennis.
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Thinking of the Glen and races past...I was reminded of the "Bog" and all the chaos of stolen cars and a Brazilian charter bus that were torched. No, they did not get Emmo's wheels.
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I remember reading in horror and disgust the cars they torched in "the Bog" - including Ferraris! It's too bad the USGP is no longer run there but I'm glad I don't hear more stories about "the Bog."
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Bog???
I think I need to do some googling.
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Here are some pictures, Trevor: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=watkins+glen+bog&atb=v78-3__&ia=images&iax=1
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Thanks much for the pics. I did some reading on this, too. Crazy times!
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Track limits...make a mistake and pay dearly...Dave Walker avoids the rock wall at Charade France,
Ronnie Peterson improvises a simple prehistoric device to keep his neck from fatigue.
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With the recent instances and controversies about exceeding track limits, I thought the solution is to make it disadvantageous to exceed them rather than having to decide which instances of exceeding track limits warranted a penalty. That mountain is an EXTREME example!
Super Swede's head restraint leaves a lot to be desired!
Here's a video of the driver's meeting for this year's Mexico GP about track limits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpZ8q8l0HV4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpZ8q8l0HV4)
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I was at the Watkins Glen 1974 Grand Prix when they burned the bus at the bog . It was very wild when the bus arrived at the bog as there were hundreds of very very drunk people around the bog watching cars and motorcycles run through the bog (or get stuck) cheering wildly along with a couple of cars already burning. Attached is a short write-up and photo (by me) of the bus the morning after.....
Somewhere I have many more photos including a number of passed out guys caked in mud next to the bog (the morning after). It was a crazy night and totally out of control. The security force and police stayed away. I think they were worried of what might happen in the night if they tried to stop what was going on (think about it, hundreds of guys who had been drinking all day long and now ramped up to party. It was a scary sight).
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Some shots of the Rob Walker entry 72...,
An extreme measure to reduce the rear wing influence, just remove the top sail...DRS!
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Interesting! I wonder if those mods made it a better car... I'm guessing no.
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One of the many distinctive features during the 70's era was the high air boxes...
Seems most every weekend, teams were trying to find that something a little extra, either on the power side or aero balance. As a fan of the original small anvil on the 72, this seldom seen periscope version as raced has started to grow on me.
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I think I prefer the old 'anvil' style air box but I wonder if Ferrari didn't have the better solution where the air intake ducts were at the cockpit level and thus not disturb the air to the rear wing.
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I think I prefer the old 'anvil' style air box but I wonder if Ferrari didn't have the better solution where the air intake ducts were at the cockpit level and thus not disturb the air to the rear wing.
It took a while (1977) for Chapman to finally incorporate Ferrari's cockpit sided intake design...
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Wow, Lou! Very interesting! You really have quite a reservoir of interesting old pictures! On second thought, I guess the fact that those ducts weren't used for long is evidence they haven't been used more recently.
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Airboxes taller than rollover bars were banned in 1976. Ferrari's flat 12 wasn't as suitable as the Ford DFV.
Later airboxes incorporate the rollover structure, modern F1 cars have them.
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Good point, about Ferrari's flat 12 engine! I should have thought of that. That makes the Ferrari-type air ducting on the Lotus Lou posted even more interesting.
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Happy Birthday !!! Ronnie Peterson 2/14/44...
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A little early but that just means we can celebrate his birthday for ten days!
One of my favorite drivers. RIP, Ronnie.
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Superswede.
Dramatically fast in a 72 at Silverstone in '73.
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A little early but that just means we can celebrate his birthday for ten days!
One of my favorite drivers. RIP, Ronnie.
BDA...Fat finger typo...2/14/44
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1972 Monaco...
It was the 30Th running at the principality, with Jean Pierre Beltoise taking his first and only victory in the BRM P160B.
Saturday's qualy had Emerson on pole at 1:21.4, but with wet weather on race day the twelve cylinder cars of Beltiose starting 4Th, and Jacky Ickx in the Ferrari had the advantage. Fittipaldi would hang on to finish third, with the top three all on Firestone rubber.
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A special Birthday remembrance for Jochen Rindt, born 4/18/42 in Graz Austria.
His sensational 70's posthumous championship run starting in Monaco with the 49, and culminating with four consecutive victories in the type 72. The Dutch, French, British and German blitz simply outpaced his rivals. When the teams departed that fateful day at Monza, his total points (45) were enough to secure the title with Canada, US and Mexico yet to be run.
His wife, Nina, of just three years, was presented the drivers trophy by Jackie Stewart.
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RIP Jochen... How sad for his wife, Nina, who was had expressed a desire for him to end his racing career.
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Sad circumstances indeed. R.I.P. Jochen.
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Gravity in action...
Did you know Texaco and Shell also made a great aftershave cologne if you weren't care full.
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Hopefully they didn't end up wearing any! You would never see a nasty looking funnel like the one above John Miles' head today!
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Peter Warr standing by with a fire extinguisher, at the ready, so no worries.
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A weekend of emotions...
Driving up to the Glen on the Tuesday before the race with my buddy Vince...
In his 59 Chevy Nomad wagon we arrived to find the track deserted and pondered where to park and claim our territory. Since Vince had never been or seen a GP before, I decided to have him occupy outside the last right hand corner to see the the pit entrance and main straight. "This will be perfect" we get them coming and going, slowing to hail the pits and the start from behind. We settled in for a long five days of "roughing it"...
On Wednesday things started to stir, a few cars and campers but mostly folks to set up the infrastructure. Lots of power, phone, water trucks and guard rail mending.
Thursday morning we awakened to the sounds of the Kendall garage coming to life, we headed over to find the Ferrari team transporter unloading. The Italian greeting of "hello, how are you guys doing" worked perfectly and in ten minutes we were helping them with tires, wheels and some spare parts to be moved and sorted.
We hung around most of the day, watching the teams begin assembly and set up their cars. A few drivers appeared in the afternoon...Merzario. Peterson, Stewart, Hulme, Revson and James Hunt. Everyone, including all the mechanics were super friendly, and were amazed on how laid back and how sincere everyone was.
A walk of the ever filling track ended our long day, and thoughts of a campfire and hot meal well deserved.
I'll skip Friday aside the fact we got to see the cars driven in anger...The sights, sounds and smell of race fuel exhaust likens the senses to a all consuming drug wanting for more.
Saturday came, and in hindsight, I wish it never did...
I remember everything going quiet, you could hear the wind blowing through the trees...then the loud speaker crackled that the session had been stopped. Word spread that there had been an accident on the uphill section and it was Cevert.
We made a beeline back to the garage, there was a crowd around Jackie and Ken, we could not get anywhere near them. Stopping in front of the Lotus stall I saw Emerson sitting alone, his hands covering his face. The worst had happened.
A pall fell over the entire circuit, no one spoke, only long faces were our end to what was to be that Saturday. We took to the track later that evening, out to the spot of the incident, to try find some closure and some understanding of what could have gone wrong.
Sunday came and the news that Stewart would not drive, in what was to be his 100Th and last Grand Prix, the team decided to honor Francois, and in respect, not participate.
We were treated however, to a ding dong battle of Peterson, Hunt and Reuterman, who for most of the race rotated in lock step mere seconds apart from each other. Ronnie held on, capturing his 4Th victory for the year in the 72 for Team Lotus.
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That must have been a very bitter-sweet weekend!
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A pretty heavy time, but quite the experience, nonetheless.
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But this week I watched a dvd my wife bought me at Christmas (I'm kinda slow with such things) all about Jackie Stewart and his attempt at Monaco in 1971, which is roughly in the Tobacco Years theme.
....
It's called "Weekend of a Champion" with Jackie Stewart & Roman Polanski, issued by Universal films.
Brian
I bought and watched the DVD after having read your recommendation. I really enjoyed watching it. That was a pretty cool but incredible dangerous period of car racing. And far less commercial than today. Many thanks for posting :beerchug:
Klaus
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I had to do a double take...forever searching the web for pictures, I came across a couple of shots of the 72 that have me quite baffled. In the long development cycle of this outstanding chassis, modifications to the frontal bodywork and brake cooling are clearly evident. Early versions of the two front brake cooling exhaust humps were retained throughout, nose intake ducts to further cool the inboard discs were later introduced and then disappeared.
The last two shots...Jim Crawford (R5) in Italy and Brian Henton (R9) at the race of Champions during the 1975 season show additional changes to the side bodywork just outboard of these ducts. I remain curious as to what purpose it served and can only verify that it was used in only these two particular instances. I could not find further photographic proof that this modification was continued.
My best guess is that these outer orifices were installed to increase the amount of airflow into the rotors...were they the introduction to the "blown" devices we see on today's F1 cars?
Any insight from the group?
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Good eye, Lou! I have no insight into those ducts but to your question about "blown" devices, I remember Lotus had fans that fit over the brake cooling exhaust "humps" to cool the discs while in the pits.
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I found a picture of the fans I mentioned:
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BDA good one...I had a chuckle
By "blown" devices I meant the control of dirty air over and around the bodywork. Today's aero front wings for example not only supply down force, but are used to deflect unwanted turbulence. End plate diffusers and hollow front hubs with "blown wheels" channel the air away from the high drag front tires.
I was wondering, before the wind tunnel era, was Colin on to something with those mysterious mods.
Oh yea...the hair dryers did come in handy!
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You got me, Lou! I wasn't sure what you meant by "blown devices."
I have been educated recently about how aerodynamics is a lot more "holistic" and that not everything it related to downforce, but about directing the air to devices (wings, etc.) downstream. Of course my knowledge doesn't go past that bit. Whether Chunky was thinking in those terms, I have no idea. It seems pretty early in the history of aerodynamics of race cars but then, you never want to underestimate Chunky in particular (or Lotus in general). I remember that Lotus experimented with active suspension before anybody else had but it seems that when I hear about it, they talk about how Williams was so far ahead of everybody else when it was outlawed but there is rarely any mention of Lotus' contribution.
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The last iterations of the 72 moved the brakes outboard, as they were incapable of putting enough heat into the tyres. I can't see on my phone ckearly enough to tell if the brake shafts are visible.
I'm away from home so can't refer to my books, but maybe that's a clue?
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Time warp...Watkins Glen
Colin, I've done what you've asked....Can I get up now? my knees are killing me and I need a haircut.
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Additional to my post #149...
I found another shot of those curious inlets and still have no clue of their purpose.
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I wonder if it might be brake cooling intakes? If the air through these scoops was directed to the centre (eye) of the rotor to pass through the cooling fins then, as mentioned earlier, exhaust out through the exhaust vents. In a conventionally mounted disc brake system (mounted at the wheels) the cooling air would need to be directed to the inboard side of the rotors, but on an inboard brake mounting arrangement, the rotors could be designed to allow the admission of cooling air from the outboard side of the rotor, or conceivably from both sides of the rotor if desired. Just a thought...
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Bengt "Ronnie" Peterson... 9/11/78 RIP
Remembrance
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Yes they are vent outlets over the inboard brake discs. On some other Lotus-es the rotors actually protrude.
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Super Swede was probably the best driver never to win a championship. RIP Ronnie!
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I didn’t see these 3 pics posted but thought you would like added. Wish I knew more history and wanted to sit down relax and watch that movie you mentioned...one?
Dakazman
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Back in the day...before the $$$$$
It was common practice for one mechanic to rule the roost. Every task was their responsibility, from gearboxes to gas, rebuilds to rubber, you were required to adapt to any situation.
Even then, the accommodations were spartan at best. From weather, garages (if any) to food and sleeping...they were a hardy lot, and dealt with the situation as they saw fit.
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It's funny to see what even the top teams of the day had to contend with - things that some current club racers don't have to deal with!
Sorry I missed your post D'man. I think the movie you're thinking of is "1." It should still be free on Amazon Prime.
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Cool photo. Such a contrast to modern times.
I think I need to build a model of that transporter.
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All the tools you really need when working on a Lotus...
Hammer...check, Vice grips...check, Tape measure...check....oh, and plenty of oil to be sure!
Rindt gets his lid strapped on as he prepares to be belted in...
Notice those large metal thingys leaning up against the pit box wall ?...I'll give you one guess only!
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The round things with the 4 holes and a handle? I'm guessing a tool for setting up the torsion bars.
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My guess is some sort of attachment to the wheels front and rear to measure tracking.
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Here is another one.
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Here is another one.
You get extra credit for the picture...but alas, this tool has been around for some time...
Think of Archimedes principle...
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Here is another one.
You get extra credit for the picture.../quote]
What about extra credit for saying it attaches to the wheels?
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I can only remember Archimedes for measuring volume by displacement of water and weighing the water displaced from an Archimedes Eureka beaker with a spout, and using a cork screw type thing to raise water up a tube.
I also believe he was arrested for running around Athens dripping bath water, totally naked, shouting "eureka".
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I am guessing the black one is a different diameter for the rear wheels, the round flange centres the torque wrench into the middle of the wheel, and there is a centre part which grips the single locking nut holding the wheel on the hub, and they are pre-set to the correct torques.
P.S. The man in the photo must be doing up a left hand thread on the right side of the car.
Or maybe the red is the right side for left hand threads, and the black is the left side for right hand threads, on the wheel "spinner".
I use a 2 lb mallet on my locking centre wheel nuts, with the note changing when it is tight enough.
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I can only remember Archimedes for measuring volume by displacement of water and weighing the water displaced from an Archimedes Eureka beaker with a spout, and using a cork screw type thing to raise water up a tube.
I also believe he was arrested for running around Athens dripping bath water, totally naked, shouting "eureka".
Alex..."Give me a lever long enough and I will move the world"... Archimedes....using a lever for force multiplication.
The first torque wrench or breaker bar...
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A different twist to this story..."One week"
The 1974 Canadian grand prix at Mosport.
A race of one driver dominating the event, only to relinquish victory with a hand full of laps remaining.
Another who fought through the field, and the debut of a (short lived) rising star.
Lauda, ran away and hid in the 312T, for sixty seven of the eighty laps...only to hit debris, fall off track and gift Fittipaldi in the Mclaren victory. This promoted Reggazoni up to second, and Peterson who started tenth, carved his way to the podium. The gap from second to fourth (Hunt) was a mere five tenths.
Debutant Helmut Koinigg, at his first formula one race surprised most everyone. Driving an uncompetitive Surtees, managed to come home in a very respectful tenth place...
A week later he was to lose his life at the "light bulb" corner at Watkins Glen. I wont go into the details, but I witnessed the aftermath, as we were only about fifty yards up track from the accident. The race continued, as the corner workers quickly determined the crash was fatal, and covered the debris. Seven days had passed, from adulation to sorrow, with Koinigg's life in the balance. It was another dark weekend for me that October. I was still feeling the effects of Cevert's passing the previous year here.
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F! is thankfully a lot safer than in years past. The danger added a dimension but I wouldn't say that seeing drivers get killed was worth that dimension. It's distressing to be a race where someone dies. I can remember two. One when I was racing, a FF driver went off in an unusual place. Before he was out of his car, another FF driver spun off and crashed into him. The second guy was hit in the helmet by the exhaust pipe of the first car. After that, the rules for exhaust pipes changed so they weren't so long. At the Runoffs at Atlanta one year (I was a spectator), a F Atlantic driver flipped his car at the bridge turn. He landed on his roll bar which broke off and he was killed. Senseless deaths but there were many people, at the time, who figured death was just part of the sport. Thankfully we've moved on.
I would recommend the movie "1" that is on Amazon Prime for free now. It conicals the history of F1 with a strong focus on the changing attitudes about safety. Your mentioning Koinigg's death reminded me of it since his death was mentioned as was Cevert's. I recommend it highly. It's excellent.
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To mark the history of formula one's 1000Th race, Autosport's new issue will feature a twelve page spread of four of the "Game Changers"
I am patiently awaiting my copy in the post, however I have been told they include types...25,49,72& 79
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I'm hoping ESPN will cover some of the ceremony around the 1000th race. I saw on your other thread that Damon Hill will drive a 49. I hope they also have other significant cars, and there are many, especially the 79.
As much as I've loved your pictures and vignettes about the 72, I'm anxious to see the same treatment of the 78 and 79!
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I'm hoping ESPN will cover some of the ceremony around the 1000th race. I saw on your other thread that Damon Hill will drive a 49. I hope they also have other significant cars, and there are many, especially the 79.
As much as I've loved your pictures and vignettes about the 72, I'm anxious to see the same treatment of the 78 and 79!
Jim, I will do your bidding (types 78 & 79) stay tuned!
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John Player 1975 British Grand Prix...take aways
Graham Hill announced his retirement with hot shoe Tony Brise taking over.
First time in F1, a light system is used for starts.
Tom Pryce's first pole for Shadow.
Peterson and Henton both dnf...engine failure for Ronnie on lap seven, and Brian crashes out.
Hail storm hits track on lap 53...top six cars crash, and a total of sixteen damaged for the day.
Five cars of twenty six starters running when race stopped...
Results reverted to standings before storm.
Fittipaldi Mclaren, Pace Brabham, Scheckter Tyrell.
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/www.vehicledynamicsinternational.com/features/life-with-colin-chapman.html?fbclid=IwAR3Uhltrzs-roRfu7bTWn8phkRNLjHgVvIwUN12KKxTynoJiDkg7A9Y6SeM
A must read, fascinating insights from John Miles precious months before his passing.
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Sorry friends, try this link instead...https://www.vehicledynamicsinternational.com/features/life-with-colin-chapman.html
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From page 1,
Hmmm, My daughter does tattoos! Maybe someday. But why put fresh ink on an old canvas. Lol.
Dakazman
http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=943.0;attach=4492;image
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Chunky was such a tragic character. He seemed to have one speed - wide open - and maybe it was because of that that important things were missed. On the other hand, like some drivers, he may not have been able to slow down and still accomplish the things he did.
Things today in F1 seem so clinical and analytical now, I wonder how or if he he would fit in now. I'll never know.
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Great story Lou.
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Yup, great story, thanks.
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Came across a interesting shot of Ronnie Peterson...
When he wasn't in the 72....
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Ronnie in a Europa!! Very cool!! :trophy:
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Awesome! Great photo find.
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Came across a interesting shot of Ronnie Peterson...
When he wasn't in the 72....
I'll see your 1, and raise you 5.
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More to follow
I found a 3rd with Ronnie, and one with Graham Hill and his +2 and his plane, but they were too big top post. Can someone up the maximum file size, 1Mb is nothing these days.
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Almost 50 years old...
The type 72 has to be one of the most gorgeous looking F1 car ever...
From the cigar shapes of the 60's to the wedge of the 70's, it's design influence can still be found in today's modern machines.
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The 72 was probably the most amazing car ever in F1 since it won the constructors championship three times. That will probably never happen again.
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Nice photo of Ronnie at the office. Agreed, good looking 72.
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The 72 was probably the most amazing car ever in F1 since it won the constructors championship three times. That will probably never happen again.
You might reasonably argue that today's Mercedes has undergone evolution similar to the 72 in its lifetime, and also qualifies.
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I actually did consider your point when I wrote my post but figured that the 72 tub was pretty much unchanged during its lifetime where the Mercedes tub has probably undergone revisions (that we don't see).
My reasoning was pretty weak and likely very flawed. Your point is well taken. I should have kept my comparison to cars of that era (maybe up to the turbo-hybrid era). The rules of F1 are so restrictive today that I think there is less leeway for the larger scale year to year changes we used to see.
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Clive and Emerson chat about the legendary chassis # 05
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syrMqMWqJFc&feature=share
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Great video, Lou! I would expect that a driver might get emotional about a car but Emerson seemed very emotional about the #5 Type 72!
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Coming to grips with the 72...Monaco 1971
Lost in the backwash of Jackie Stewart's Tyrell domination of the weekend, was the prodding progress of Emerson Fittipaldi's run up the field. A poor and wet practice session offered little time for set up, and Emmo could only muster a lowly 17th in qualifying.
The race however would bring some fortune, as plenty of competitors ahead, would fall victim to the tight street circuit. Peterson's March followed by Ickx's Ferrari would see the podium. While Hulme in the McLaren bested Emmo and Stomelen's Surtees would come home sixth.
Emerson would have to nurse the last few laps with curb damage which caused a cracked upright, leaving the L / front pointing askew.
The race was a showcase for constructers as BRM and Brabham also were in the top ten.
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Super pictures! Too bad Emmo didn't have more success!
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Yup, great looking photos. Monaco must be an outright ball ache for drivers. It looks so imposing and restricted.
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Remembering a somber day... 11/29/75
Graham Hill, Tony Brise, Andy Smallman, Ray Brimble, Tony Alcock & Terry Richards
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Remembering a somber day... 11/29/75
Graham Hill, Tony Brise, Andy Smallman, Ray Brimble, Tony Alcock & Terry Richards
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Hill
Reminds me a little about Colin McRae.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_McRae
Co-incidentally both father/son famous motorsports families.
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Sad day, indeed! Graham, RIP.
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Even In France his memory lives on . I hit translate for all to read.
Dakazman
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Graham Hill R.I.P.
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Lou, you might be interested in www.lotus72dvd.com . I've got it, it's very good!
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Happy Birthday Emerson Fittipaldi...(73)
Lets go for a spin....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxGn6XkPty8
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:happy-bday: Emo! Great video of great driver driving a great car!
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:happy-bday: Emo.
Won't be able to view the video until I get home.
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Scoop...ever seen this before?
A rare photo find, showing a prototype style (Surtees) front nose element for the type 72. I don't think it was ever used under race conditions, from the caption I can only assume it was tested in Argentina and shelved.
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Just a follow up to the prior post.
Although the full frontal section was never used on the type 72 in race conditions, it had been used on prior chassis. The F2 variants of the 69 and later version of the type 74 had both the wedge and wide bodywork.
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That is a rare find indeed! Back in the day we used to call them a "sports car nose" if I recall. I don't know that I had ever seen a Lotus with one so it's interesting to see those pictures. Obviously, the canard type front wings were better, not to mention adjustable, since sports car noses faded away.
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Cool history nugget.
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Time to decorate the tree!
Happy Holidays to all...!
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Great ornament!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lou! And Merry Christmas to all of us Europa owners and hopeful owners!
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Happy Birthday! Ronnie Peterson 2/14/44...
A photo tribute will also appear in the "Game changer's 78-79" topic.
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:happy-bday: Super Swede! I wish you were still with us.
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Sometimes things don't go to plan..."Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious"
Ronnie's off road at Mosport & Emmo has a little under steer!
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Oops! :headbanger:
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Colin will be angrily crushing out a half smoked cigarette, and jamming another one between his lips, whilst trying to figure out who to blame.
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A pleasing yarn during this morning breakfast!...enjoy!
https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/historic/2020/2/five-times-the-lotus-72-won-against-the-odds/?fbclid=IwAR3a4WwheZ_pAlM3xpcueOyNjnATxG3RcofsM43tEUMkas1m3hxDJ120H1I
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Great stories, Lou! Thanks!
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Interesting read, Lou. Thanks.
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Take a short spin with Emerson at the ring... Texaco commericial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvSXk5pML5g
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Nice, Lou! Thanks!
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Hypnotized...
First...count the guys, then the gals, and then... find out where to put your hands.
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Not enough women... But a great looking car!
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Interesting photo.
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Interesting photo.
Trevor...Look at the face of the dude behind the chick, he's certainly not thinking about cars. I would imagine more like a......bottom end!
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Man, you have much better eyes than I do, Lou!!!
Now that I see it, I think you're right. He may be checking out some of the finer aspects of her chassis! ;D
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...or wondering about going for a test drive ;)
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Interesting photo.
Trevor...Look at the face of the dude behind the chick, he's certainly not thinking about cars. I would imagine more like a......bottom end!
Haha Good eye!
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Celebrating 50 years today...
Arguably the most successful formula one car ever created.
Designed by Maurice Philippe and Colin Chapman the type 72's record speaks for itself.
75 races, 20 wins, 39 podiums, 17 poles, 9 fastest laps...
3 Constructors and 2 Drivers Championships.
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That is an amazing record that will never be broken!
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Yup, very impressive stats, and good looking, too.
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And you thought you had it rough?...try playing second fiddle.
Getting into F1 as a driver is an accomplishment in itself...your teammate has a lot of influence on continuing your career, especially if you drive for Lotus. Take the examples of Rindt and Miles in 1970 and Emerson Fittipaldi versus Dave Walker in 72.
Mind you, with the equipment being somewhat equal, Miles scored only two points while Jochen amassed forty five. Competing in all events together in 1972, Fittipaldi tallied 66 to zero for Walker. Both Rindt and Emerson won the championship respectively those two seasons.
If you go back a few years...Jim Clark outpaced Trevor Taylor, 73/2...winning seven out of ten races in 1963.
Makes you thing about being a #2 under Mr. Chapman
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Those were pretty lopsided but sometimes being #2 wasn't that bad at Lotus: Clark and Hill, Andretti and Peterson.
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Those were pretty lopsided but sometimes being #2 wasn't that bad at Lotus: Clark and Hill, Andretti and Peterson.
Have to agree with Clark & Hill...the dream team, but remember Jim was well established within the team and although Hill had won a championship elsewhere, his key role was development. This was also true with Andretti later on, Peterson was well suited and carried on the 72 for quite some time as #1....
Mario, meanwhile was waiting for the chance to go back to F1, having USAC and Indy fighting in the backdrop...asked Chapman for a permanent ride. Peterson was unhappy with the type 76 failure and was off to the Tyrell P34 project.
It was only later when Mario was clearly suited to lead the efforts, by having brought the types 77 & 78 ground effects design forward. Peterson rejoined, and by the introduction of the type 79 was regarded as coequal with Andretti.
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My comment may have stretched the definition of #2 driver but I understood that occasionally Ronnie was requested (ordered?) to not pass Mario. Maybe I misunderstood...
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A little tidbit on the story of "Gold"...
When Colin secured sponsorship and the color scheme was discussed, the ultimate decision to mirror a pack of John Player fags (cigarette's) was the way to go. Colin hired a local painter to do the car in real gold leaf foil...A lengthy and quite expensive task no doubt.
I remember an interview video with Peter Warr & Peter Windsor, where Warr recounted how the mechanics and the drivers were at odds every time a new nose or panel was to be repaired and leafed. Delays, costs and frustrations mounted. The techs would blame the drivers for bashing body parts, slowing turn around.
Colin got it from all sides...it costs too much!...How can I push the car and risk the lack of spares!...the poor bloke painter could not keep up with demand and complained about extended hours and loss of family life.
Well, the writing was on the wall... real "Gold" had to go. The following seasons a regular pin stripe tape was phased and in most cases was lacquered over. Frugal to say the least, but leave it to Colin to have 24 karat as his initial option.
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Real gold leaf!!! Yikes! That's insane!
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Very interesting, I had no idea. It explains some texturing anomolies I have seen in the graphics of some early period photos.
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"The # 1 car I ever drove in my career "...Emerson Fittipaldi
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/piola-fittipaldi-lotus-72-special-video/4403813/
A must see video with the famous technical artist Giorgio Piola and Emerson, discuss the type 72
https://us.motorsport.com/f1/video/giorgio-piola-classics-emerson-fittipaldi-on-lotus-72/446636/
Article link...and just video link
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Nice drawings and talk with Emmo! It's interesting that Emmo said a front half-shaft breaking was the cause of Rindt's accident and death. The people interviewed in the movie, 1 said it was the fact that Rindt wanted to run without wings. John Miles said that for him, the 72 without wings was completely underivable and the only time he was truly afraid in a car. Maybe Rindt's accident was caused by a combination of no wings and failing front half-shaft...
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Nice drawings and talk with Emmo! It's interesting that Emmo said a front half-shaft breaking was the cause of Rindt's accident and death. The people interviewed in the movie, 1 said it was the fact that Rindt wanted to run without wings. John Miles said that for him, the 72 without wings was completely underivable and the only time he was truly afraid in a car. Maybe Rindt's accident was caused by a combination of no wings and failing front half-shaft...
BDA...Agree that with no wings the car was a hand full...
Emmo's earlier practice crash was due to the exact same half shaft failure. He mentioned the issue with heat treatment and different materials used and only when Jochen applied some braking into Parabolica. I have to side with the opinion that Chapman and the team were aware of the misgivings of all the shafts in use at the time. Following their return from Monza, an intensive analysis and redesigned shafts were phased in.
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Yeah, I take no position either way. I have to trust the people who were there. I only mention it because Miles only mentioned wings and Emmo only mentioned half-shafts. It was an interesting divergence of opinion and like I say, both could have contributed.
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Miles and Rindt at work...note the subtle change to Jochen's rear wing.
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Pretty sophisticated wings for back then!
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Some interesting stabs at attempting to manage air flow.
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Spain 1973...Montjuic Park
It was Ronnie's weekend but Emerson got the trophy. As the teams returned to the Barcelona inner city circuit, the talk of the paddock was how much faster the cars would be since their last visit in 1971. The existing lap record of 1.25.1 set by Jacky Ickx in the BRM, was to be smashed by Peterson in successive practice sessions, with a blistering qualification of 1.21.8.
The race would deal Ronnie a bitter pill. Having led from the start, his pace would see him lap the field up to third place. Comfortably ahead on lap fifty six, his gearbox failed, leaving him to ponder what could have been. Emerson, who started seventh, stayed in touch with the leaders and by mid race, benefited from the retirements of Stewart and Reutemann found himself leading at the end.
The podium celebrations included Francois Cevert in the sister Tyrell and the first championship points for George Follmer in the USA Shadow DN1 entry.
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Sad day for Ronnie. I think he was much better than his record would imply.
Of course Emmo deserved his win.
Nice also to have a US team score some points.
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Ronnie engages with the Brazilian fans...
Simon says...off with your shirt
Simon says...hands on hips
Simon says...give me a push
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Lucky spectators! There sure seems to be a lot of paint chipped off those canards!
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Cool photo.
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Just wanted to pass this along, an excellent vintage documentary with some fantastic footage and interviews... from the 1973 season F1 racing hero's...
"The quick and the dead"
Glitz, Guts, Gears, Girls & Glamour...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtW7ZTCfC5I
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Great movie, Lou! One of the highlights for me is Jackie Stewart driving Nurburgring in a Rolls Royce! Also seeing Frank Williams not in a wheelchair! Good times!
It's interesting that Hailwood and Revson talked about how there was no real closeness among the drivers when in the movie, "1" (still available on Prime), Jackie Stewart made a point about how close the drivers were - vacationing together, etc. Jackie's comments may have been before corporate sponsorship got going and racing was still more sport than business.
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Boots & Brollies...nuff said.
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I think F1 has gotten too PC. I might be misremembering but I don't remember any grid girls on the grid during Martin Brundle's grid walks. It's too bad...
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I think F1 has gotten too PC. I might be misremembering but I don't remember any grid girls on the grid during Martin Brundle's grid walks. It's too bad...
The new owners thought grid girls were too sexist, so stopped the eye candy.
The world has gone PC mad. In the UK, a big company has had to apologise for calling a bra colour "tobacco" as tobacco is associated with bad so that colour is associated with bad.
Political Correctness really p*sses me off. People are just searching for anything to ban and make a fuss about.
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:I-agree:
I could say a lot more about that but I think if we discuss this on the forum, we should take it to "Off Topic Subjects"
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Well the topic is called "The tobacco years" !!!
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:FUNNY:
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Worth the read...
https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/historic/2020/9/jochen-rindt--greatness-cut-short--thank-frankel-its-friday/?fbclid=IwAR259nYQYJ5GF7BPZeCuqtWVydowAyC72VxB0K2kJbg0INxyg-jJZnm62ag
Notice something really spooky in this photo?
One is quite obvious, but there are at least three....
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The only one I can see so far is that both drivers died in crashes.
I'm not sure what is where Jochen's wing should be.
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The only one I can see so far is that both drivers died in crashes.
I'm not sure what is where Jochen's wing should be.
Yes, BDA... That's one
# 2 The other car in the picture is of Jo Siffert's March 701 who would perish a year later.
Cevert (73) and Siffert (71) lost their lives in October.
The wingless 72's air box is removed & laying aft of the trumpets.
# 3 Look at the pit board for Rindt's lap time...
Qualifications that day started at 3 pm, the last time he would have been seen alive. The shunt was just about 30 minutes into the session.
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Sky sports hits it out of the park..."The Uncrowned Champion"
Jackie, Bernie & Helmut recall their friend Jochen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfW0OJBDl1s
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Great video about a great driver (greater than I thought!)! Thanks!
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Here's your chance to snap up Ronnie Peterson's Lotus 76 John Player Special.
How small does it look!
https://www.rmd.be/cars-for-sale/car/view/1/215/lotus-76-1-jps9?fbclid=IwAR0Nd4gKWtAzRetrYH_pGZDOxeeG6ooADetauTiwFsYHKm6_G4_1xc4Qr3w
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I think I'll wait till Ronny's or Mario's 79 comes up! :)
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On this day...50 years ago.
Emerson Fittipaldi would win his first F1 race at Watkins Glen.
His fourth attempt would mark the maiden win, team constructors championship and drivers title for Jochen Rindt with Team mate Reine Wisell finishing a solid third.
A damp track spiced up the start for Emmo, dropping to eighth place in the early stages, but the 108 lap race had many of the front runners fall victim to issues. The Ferrari of Ickx who started on pole, and who was the only other driver with a chance to catch Jochen for points, dropped out of contention with a broken fuel line on lap 40. Stewart then took over, only to have an engine go sour thirty laps later. With Rodriguez now in command, the BRM ran out of fuel at the century mark, leaving Fittipaldi his shot for stardom.
Side bar....On lap seven, Graham Hill in the Walker entry 72 pitted for a fuel leak. A fitting was quickly secured, and Graham was then ordered back into the fray. His drivers suit was fuel soaked from the crotch down, and his discomfort forced another stop. Asking for another suit which the team failed to produce, Graham spotted John Surtees. Without hesitation, they both disrobed in the pit lane!
What are the chance to have two worlds champions go down to birthday suits in full view?...(today)
Yes, only in the glory years!
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To naked F1 champions and don’t forget The Bog. Good times!
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Bad days in Germany...1975
The type 72 was starting to show it's age as the team approached the daunting "Ring" for the fourteen lap event. A one off drive for Ulsterman John Watson, along with Ronnie Peterson, could not come to grips with the static development of the five year old chassis. Both drivers were mired in the rear of the field, some ten seconds behind the first sub seven minute pole time (6.58.3) by Lauda's Ferrari.
Things did not go any better on Sunday. Watson who started 14Th, had suspension failure on the second tour while Peterson had his clutch give out after only one lap.
There are few pictures of the Lotus of Watson...here are my favorites.
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Great pictures again, Lou. Especially the flying 72.
I wonder what was going on with Chunky that he stuck with the 72 for so long. He seemed to be such an idea man normally but he seemed to temporarily run out of ideas till the 77 which wasn’t very successful but was innovative in that it did allow the wheelbase to be changed for different tracks.
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He reverted to the 72 when the 76 didn't work!
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Interesting stuff, Lou. I was not really aware of the John Watson drive.
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A race of two worlds...1971 Questor Grand Prix
What better way to answer the question, who is faster?
Lets get the best open wheel drivers and cars on the planet for one weekend at Ontario motor speedway to find out. A who's who in motor racing would pit the stars of Europe against the speedway legends of America. F1 versus Formula A (5000) machines in a timed two heat format.
The list of drivers competing together was staggering!...Notables included:
Stewart,Amon,Ickx,Hulme,Rodriguez,Hill,Donohue,Siffert,Pescarolo,Schenken,Posey, Fittipaldi,Follmer,Weisell,Andretti,Cannon,Peterson,Ganley,Bell,Gethin,Bondurant,
Revson,Adamowitz,Savage,Foyt,Lovely,Cevert,Beltoise,Surtees,DeAdamich along with the Unser brothers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZszMRLG3oSA
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Every day is an education. Thanks Lou. I had not heard of the Questor race before. Very cool, if somewhat lop-sided competition.
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A great blast from the past, Lou! It's a bit humorous to watch the pit stops! Things have changed a lot since then!
Donahue made a good point that using stock block engines does not really change the racing but does change the cost. With the costs of F1 being such a problem, that seems like a potential solution or maybe the basis for another "low tech" racing series that could provide the kind of competition that has been missing from F1.
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With the F1 troops returning to Italy this weekend at Imola, I was reminded of the strange circumstances surrounding team Lotus at the 1971 event held at Monza.
Colin Chapman was still dealing with legal issues with the Italian authorities following Rindt's death the year prior. In an effort to not expose his situation any further the team would be entered under the name of "World Wide Racing".
There would be only one car for Emerson Fittipaldi...the Pratt & Whitney gas turbine powered 56b would be the choice, and take the type 72's place. This would be the only time in his F1 career that Emmo would race in a car without the Cosworth engine.
Coming to terms with the experimental four wheel drive chassis, and the added hot weather caused breathing issues for the thirsty power unit. A lowly 18Th starting position was over come with attrition and Fittipaldi finishing a respectful eighth, one lap behind the leaders.
Notable race notes included:
The return of bike Champion Mike Hailwood in the Surtees
Closest race finish to date 0.10 Peter Gethin's BRM over Peterson in a March
Fastest recorded race lap in history at 150.754 by Henri Pescarolo's March
(which would not be broken for thirty two years)
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More really interesting stuff! Thanks Lou!
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Awesome stuff. I think I need to build a model of that 56b.
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More artwork...
Lotus type 72
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oh yeah! I like that one, too. Chassis 72/6 has interesting livery. What's the story behind that one, Lou?
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oh yeah! I like that one, too. Chassis 72/6 has interesting livery. What's the story behind that one, Lou?
A brief history...
Chassis R6 had 49 starts total, 26 in F1 with drivers Ronnie Peterson (4 wins) Reine Wisell, and Dave Walker for Team Lotus.
The remaining races were in the 1974-75 South African Championship, founded by owner/ racer John Love, who's prior dealing with Colin Chapman with the type 49 had purchased R6. Their prime sponsor was Gunston Tobacco, a division of Imperial for S.A.
Drivers included: Guy Tunmer, Paddy Driver, Ian Scheckter (5 wins) and Eddie Keizan. The Gunston team dominated the series while using R6 and later R7 to win the S.A. Title.
The chassis is still in use today in the Masters Historic series, last run by Katsu Kubota in JPS livery with Classic Team Lotus as caretakers.
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Interesting Lou. I don’t know... it just seems wrong that it’s not black and gold.
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Interesting Lou. I don’t know... it just seems wrong that it’s not black and gold.
Jim...Hope this makes you feel better!
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I feel much better now, Lou. Thanks! :)
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Thanks Lou. Very interesting. The South Africa Championship itself is a bit of curiosity to me, so explains some of that story, too. Cheers.
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And now for something completely different...
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I like having the kids on the grid but I do miss the grid girls. :D
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I like having the kids on the grid but I do miss the grid girls. :D
Yes . . . and at the risk of smiting the politics of it all, the grid girls taking a knee do it much better than the drivers. ;D
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Thanks Lou, much appreciated. Grid girls go great with breakfast.
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Thanks Lou, much appreciated. Grid girls go great with breakfast.
Especially if you met them the night before and they are making the breakfast! ......probably :D
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One of my favorite men with pen and paper.
Remember all those great drawings from Road & Track...Werner Buhrer.
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I remember him and always enjoyed his sketches. I wish you could have posted it in English! ;D
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I remember him and always enjoyed his sketches. I wish you could have posted it in English! ;D
BDA...Italian is easy...Motor=Motore, Gearbox=Cambio, Brakes=Freni
Power=Potenza, Weight=Peso, Length=Passo....
And the most important phrase...What is behind you is not important!
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I remember him and always enjoyed his sketches. I wish you could have posted it in English! ;D
BDA...Italian is easy...Motor=Motore, Gearbox=Cambio, Brakes=Freni
Power=Potenza, Weight=Peso, Length=Passo....
And the most important phrase...What is behind you is not important!
Thanks for the translation, Lou. Very helpful for many things. Thanks too for the movie quote, which made me smile. Gumball was one of my first car movies as a youngster, and remains one of the best to this day.
As for Mr. Buhrer's illustrations, I loved these as a knowledge hungry, car crazy kid. I learned a lot, and the illustrations were always well captioned.
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Happy Birthday! Emerson Fittipaldi 12/12/46
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:happy-bday: Emmo!
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Cool on two or four wheels...
When a champion has to traverse the pits, he does it in style!
The familiar shape of Peterson's corner entry...
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Germany 1972...
In only his third entry to date, Dave Charlton would test his mettle at the "Ring"
Having secured some extra backing from Lucky Strike, his weekend would be similar as taking some deep drags on those non filter coffin nails...Motion sickness trouble in both practice and the race would only allow a lowly 26th grid position, and only four race laps before retiring. Switching helmets from full face to open and a change of air box modifications did not help. The official team statement listed high driver G-loads.
The 72 did look quite refreshing in a bright white/red color livery...the photos show both before and after tobacco adverts.
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The red and white look nice but nothing is as pretty as the JPS black and gold.
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A race car driver with chronic motion sickness. Well, that's quite unfortunate. :confused:
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Monte Carlo 1972
Pole sitter Emerson Fittipaldi had all he could handle under tricky conditions. The wet race seemed to favor the extra torque of the twelve cylinder teams. Jean Pierre Beltiose in a BRM would capture his first and only F1 victory in the rain soaked meeting. The Ferrari of Jacky Ickx finishing second with Emerson third.
Beltoise's superb drive on the narrow street circuit was so dominant, he lapped the field up to Ickx with Fittipaldi a distant full minute behind.
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Great pictures again, Lou!
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.....it's been a while since I had my own 72 out......I struggled with the handling as an 8 year old so she's a bit worse for wear!
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.....and at the Lotus Hethal celebration a year or so ago
They are my image of a proper racing car
Once bitten by Lotus ......it lasts
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Great photos. S2, digging that Type 72 toy. Very cool.
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Happy Birthday Ronnie!
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:happy-bday: Ronnie!! Gone but not forgotten.
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New member,previous ‘lurker’. Happy valentine day.
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Ha,try that again.
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:Welcome: ExLimey. You live in a beautiful place! Great roads for Europa driving. I have skied at Sugarbush and kayak raced in the Jamaica area.
Sandy
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:Welcome: ExLimey!! Great first post!
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Thanks guys,was planning to keep quiet until I owned a car, it’s in the planning stage ! Will reveal all my info in ‘members cars’ when the deal is done, for now I will continue reading ‘the lotus chronicles’
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:Welcome:
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Chief Inspector Clouseau is still on the case. As mentioned in reply's #147 & 156...
Trying to figure out those curious mods to the upper bodywork, just behind the front rotor venting stacks. Found another great picture of John Watson in Germany.
Wondering if additional air was needed, to cool the inner brake shaft assembly?
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Hhmmm... curious indeed. Nice photo of a 72, would like to see it in colour (although, with a black car maybe it doesn't matter).
I have often thought that if I had unlimited money to engineer mods for my Europa, I'd develop an inboard brake system. That would be the biz.
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Inboard front brakes on a Europa would be a REAL challenge!!
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Inboard front brakes on a Europa would be a REAL challenge!!
Yes it would! I think it would be a fun engineering challenge, and would require re-thinking the entire front portion of the frame/chassis. It's a pipe dream, of course. I would never be in the position to try it, but man, it would be seriously cool. My no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object dream Europa bounces around in my head, and it is definitely fitted with inboards.
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Yes it would! I think it would be a fun engineering challenge, and would require re-thinking the entire front portion of the frame/chassis. It's a pipe dream, of course. I would never be in the position to try it, but man, it would be seriously cool. My no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object dream Europa bounces around in my head, and it is definitely fitted with inboards.
With a money-is-no-object situation, one could just buy a GT40 and copy that.
Drive the GT40 while working on the Europa conversion. ;)
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Track limits ?????
All in all a decent start to the F1 season, the mid field teams have caught up, The red cars are in the mix, and a sandwich bag ruined Alonso's race. A Russian who should not have a super licence and a soon to be star to watch named "Yuki"
My gripe is the stewards....all weekend they monitor turn #4, deleting lap times for going off track. Hamilton, expertly exceeds the circuit twenty nine times during the race and was rewarded the victory.
I have a cure, put the consequences back in for going off track!
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If was stated all along that track limits wouldn't be enforced on Turn 4 during the race, only in practice and qualifying, so he wasn't doing anything wrong, but Marshalls decided to complain about it after Red Bull explicitly told Max what was happening and he started to use more of Turn 4.
The white lines should be enforced for the whole race as far as I am concerned. It was good to see Max erring on the side of caution and giving the place back with no histrionics, though given the above I do feel he was a little hard done by in the circumstances.
Looks like it should be a good season.
Edit : lots of typos that garbled meaning due to replying on phone.....
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Good old chassis #5 was was trotted out to reunite with Emerson at the FOS.
If you recall, #5 was written off at Zandvoort by Fittipaldi and sat at the workshop collecting dust for most of forty plus years. The drawings were pulled, and the entire car was rebuilt including some new tub sections.
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It's looking great. Good to see it revived. Nice photo.
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Ontario Motor Speedway...Lotus 72 Gold Leaf crew & Colin looks sharp in red!
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From the Questor GP? Interesting event. US against the world…
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Nice photo. I snagged a copy of that one, Lou. Cheers.
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Sharing an article from Autosport which ranks the top ten Lotus F1 cars.
A bonus video is included on the type 72's 1-2 finish at Monza...watch it!
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/top-10-lotus-f1-cars-ranked-49-72-79-and-more/6682160/?fbclid=IwAR18pWZuBrNND7PkiI7jfa0_6IUj0gB9s8WPpxD7cV0F0lhLfEZfytk9rho
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Great article, Lou! Thanks!
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A very informative video with Clive Chapman, who discusses his early years and the innovative type 72...The resurrection of chassis #5 is featured.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25YaFtvxME
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Great video, Lou!
Two things struck me:
First, how different would F1 be now if the teams were limited to 10 people?
Second, the 72 was certainly very angular but it was a lot more rounded than I thought.
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A brief departure off topic...
The bleed off of available funds from the F1 effort did make it's way to the lower tier formula...The Lotus team supported by Imperial tobacco was ever present in the F2 & F3 categories.
The Gold Leaf type 59 A Holbay driven by Dave Walker
Tony Trimmer in the type JPS sponsored 73.
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Sorry, Let this one slip by yesterday. (Same day as Graham Hill)
Happy Birthday Ronnie! 2/14/44
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Interesting that they both had the same birthday!
Happy birthday, Ronnie!
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Reine Wisell....9/30/41 - 3/20/22
With the sudden retirement of John Miles after Monza, Colin Chapman turned to the the former Swedish F3 champion to fill the open seat. Paired with team mate Fittipaldi, Reine's first race at the 1970 Watkins Glen track would earn his best placing (3rd) in his short career. His 23 total races and 13 points were with Lotus, BRM, and private entries with a March.
He passed peacefully at home aged 80...RIP Reine
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He seemed to be better than his career would indicate. RIP Reine.
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Interesting tidbit, Lou. I never knew that. Cheers.
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Happy Birthday...Jochen Rindt
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:happy-bday: Jochen! RIP
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Falling from favor...
Can you imagine? As reigning world champion, Graham Hill was unceremoniously released from duties at the end of the 1969 season. The man who was the glue to the team after the death of Clark was now aged 40. Colin seemed to be holding his cards, and perceived that Graham had lost his edge after crashing at Watkins Glen, breaking both legs.
Out paced by Rindt for most of the year, Colin called on Rob Walker and a deal was struck to have Hill drive for the privateer. To sweeten the pot, a type 72 was added. The early chassis with it's anti-dive geometry was a headache and had to be scrapped. It took till mid season in 1970 for Hill to re establish his form.
Pictured is the launch, with Hill as a guest tester....His first seat time in the 72
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School is in. Cheers, Lou.
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Canning a reigning champion that carried the team after the death of it's most famous and talented member... Seems kinda cold but then Chunky was the one who made F1 a business!
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Seems kinda cold but then Chunky was the one who made F1 a business!
Yeah, for all his admirable qualities, warm & sentimental was not among them.
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History repeated itself in 1996 when Graham's son Damon was fired by Williams the year he won the championship! At least Colin waited a year.
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Fittipaldi tests the "wide shovel" nose in Italy...
For all the trivia buffs, the evaluation from Emerson was less than favorable at the low downforce circuit. The experiment increased frontal drag, sent the brake temps soaring, lasted for a half an hour, and was never seen again.
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Ugly too!
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Ugly too!
:I-agree:
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I have double posted this link, and it can also be found in the events section.
All the surviving type 72's are to be in one place, hosted by Classic Team Lotus on October 15Th.
https://allthe72s.com/?utm_source=emailmarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hs_ctl_72s&utm_content=2022-07-29
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Field trip!!
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There's something primordial about the odor of 90 weight...
Long hair and bell bottoms seem to the right garb for tackling ratio changes...
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On the top photo, what is the round thing bottom left of the bellhousing?
Otherwise it all looks very simple and understandable.
I bet it is a very different view 50 years later.
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Alternator.
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Ugly too!
X2 that 😂
79 NBR here!
Thanks for the pics Lou, but nbr 5 is epic.
I am just a novice though but I know what I like . My daughter is a tattoo artist and looking into a tattoo of 5 not a 2 . The_toracle on instagram is in my opinion a gem.
Dakazman
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Reunion at Classic Team Lotus...some of the surviving 72's
The smoking lamp is lit, fire up a Gunston's. Gold Leaf or John Player.
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Cool reunion!
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Very nice. I'll have the JPS, please.
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Wonderful.
Harry's Garage on you tube has just posted a story about his new Lotus and the first few seconds has a JPS liveried 72 driving the Hethal track
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https://youtu.be/z-NFG4bUHgI
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I like that in that video, on the back wall of the production offices overlooking the shop floor, it says, "SIMPLIFY THEN ADD LIGHTNESS."
I have to say that looking at the Emira as it's being built, they seem to have forgotten the "simplify" part. I kind of agree with Gordon Murray when he said in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBAMWeKhBr4 about 24 minutes into it), "The Lotus period I liked sort of stopped at the Europa, really..." I can't blame Chapman or the current people at Lotus for all of it. I think a lot of the changes that got away from the earlier period were mandated by regulations. I also believe Lotus had to go up market to try to stay alive (although the results don't really bare that out, do they?) but I guess I'm old enough to think that the Loti ending with the Europa were the "real" Loti. It's not that I don't think the later cars are nice, but rather "other" (I might include the Elise as a "real" Lotus and I'd do it more readily if I could get in one in less than a minute!).
Having said all of that, I could have had a chance to drive the Emira at LOG 41 last month but I passed on the opportunity. I regret that now! I'm sure in many ways, it is the Lotus that the older cars are not (in a good way).
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Grab yourself some leftovers, or perhaps that last piece of pumpkin pie and enjoy this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjNxUvgYuUU
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Very nice. Thanks for finding.
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Simply terrific! Thanks Lou
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Happy Birthday Emerson...76
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/october-2022/84/the-best-car-of-my-career-interview-with-emerson-fittipaldi
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Yes! Happy Birthday, Emmo! Great article about Emmo and the 72! Thanks Lou!
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Cheers for the post, Lou. When I read about the 72, I am still amazed at just how good that car was.
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Hibernation is over...
Decided to start the new year with a few more from the collection.
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Pictures of Emmo in his 72 is a great start to the new year!
Glad you’re back! I was wondering where you’ve been!
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Cheers Lou. Great photos.