Re: Who was the great driver at this event?

[SLuftman@domain.elided]

Simon, that is the way I remember it to, I also remember Fangio losing the 
tail on one of the first laps in turn 9 (now turn 11) and he went on to do 
cleaner and faster laps after that. The wonderful smell of burning alcohol as 
they started the 159 is a memory I will never forget.

Steve

In a message dated 8/30/99 1:55:21 PM, owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

>Subject: Re: Who was the great driver at this event?
>
>I don't want to start a war, but I beg to differ. I will go check the
>program from the 1985 Historics, but it was my recollection that the
>159 was not listed in any of the regular race groups. Fangio was not
>an entrant in the event, he was a VIP guest. Such guests are brought
>in to drive "demonstration" laps at or near lunchtime. I only remember
>the 159 going out twice. By Sunday, it was not running as well as it
>had on Saturday. The Saturday session featured Phil Hill in the P2,
>Jackie Stewart in the Tipo B (aka P3), and Fangio in the 159. Fangio
>was happily lapping the other two like they were standing still. The
>"demonstration" laps started with the oldest Alfas in attendance, 
>followed by the celebrity drivers mentioned, then after thay went in,
>the later cars, like a 33TT12 came out, then all the Alfas in the
>corral were led onto the track for a parade. This was all part of the
>noontime festivities, not a regular race session. The announcer may
>have left a different impression, but I really doubt Fangio was driving
>the 159 in a regular race session. He was also wearing a leather
>helmet, and the car had no seat belts that I could see.
>
>Charlie, of the AROSC wrote:
>
>><< 1985: Alfa Romeo is the featured marque at the Monterey Historics.
>Alfa
>> was, in fact, the FIRST marque to repeat this honor. Fangio is on hand
>to
>> drive the 159 Alfetta around the track at lunchtime. The story is that
>he
>> got the car sideways in the Corkscrew, drove back into the pits, jumped
>> out, and said (no doubt in Spanish), "Same car!"  >>
>>
>>I happened to be there, in the trees, and saw the famous spinout from
>close 
>>proximity.  It was exciting, but not in a pace lap nor at lunchtime, but
>in
>>a heat.  Which he finished.  Among the leaders.  Not something you'd forget.

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