Thursday, August 28, 2008

Racing legend Phil Hill 1927-2008

The racing world has just got a little bit sadder today. We have been informed that car racing legend Phil Hill has passed away at the age of 81 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Mr Hill was widely known for his victories over his 20 year racing career. Including the 3 wins at 24 Hours of LeMans, the Italian Grand Prix, and the Belgian Grand Prix. In 1961 he was honored with being the first American to win the Formula One World Drivers Championship. Many of his wins were with Ferrari.

Phil Hill retired from racing in 1967. And had the honor of being one of the few drivers that have won both their first and last races of their careers. After retirement he had a business restoring antique and classic cars. He has also worked as a comentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports and as a contributing editor for Road & Track magazine.

Hill's assistance was also sought by Caroll Shelby and the Ford Motor Company to help develop the Ford GT40 and Shelby Daytona Coupe.

Hill will be sadly missed. He was truly one of the greats in racing from the days when racing was racing. God Speed Phil Hill!

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