Bugattis on Tour
Photo Shoot For Details
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Greetings!
It is difficult to believe that we were in California and immediately afterward in Connecticut, that we put out two Newsletters, and still have so much remaining to show and tell. It’s both a joy and a curse. The “curse” portion is when you see other people’s work and realize that you probably walked by “that special car” a dozen times and simply did not noticed it among all the other special cars. Fortunately we have professionals like
Michael Furman,
Dom Miliano,
Dennis Gray,
Josh Sweeney, and many other contributors who help us bring you the special images you see on these pages.
This week’s Bugatti lead image is by Josh Sweeney of
Shoot for Details and we also feature trackside sketches by Nova Scotia artist
Paul Chenard whose work we last featured at the
Greenwich Concours in June. Paul has an uncanny talent for sitting down next to a pretty car and making it smile for him for hours on end. His sketch of the Peter Mullin Bugatti is featured. As is an image of the
Simeone Museum’s 1937 Bugatti Type 57G which won Le Mans in 1937.
This week we also offer a short story of “women in racing”. It is a follow up to the
Lyn’s St.James story about racing the Mullins Bugatti at Laguna Seca. Last week I began reading Luca Dal Monte’s tome titled
Enzo Ferrari. I was surprised to learn that in 1908 the Countess Edelweiis Piola Caselli was entered in one of the very first races to take place in Italy. Like most men I have a great deal of affection and respect for the fairer sex and further, being a man, I know how men who compete think. I have always admired women who accept the challenge of driving where no quarter is given and also do well. Knowing what it takes to pass a competitor’s car comes with experience, passing men's egos is less predictable.
Finally, we note the passing of
Don Panoz.
Pacem. Lyn St.James kindly offered to share a few words about the man and their relationship.
With the impending storm in the Southeast, more important than being able to send out this Newsletter to our readers in a timely fashion, we hope that all our media stoked fears for your safety are greatly exaggerated.
Peter Bourassa
Publisher
Once again, Newsletter readers asked us to remind them that subscriptions are still available at
www.MMRsite.net. Per your request, this is your wake-up call. Reader support is always appreciated.
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Bugatti T57G "Tank"
Sketch By Paul Chenard
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An ambitious title for what began as a six paragraph article. The following is simply personal observations based on past experiences and prompted by the most recent
Lyn St.James story about driving a vintage Bugatti race car at Monterey.
Lyn’s Story referred to women who had previously successfully raced Bugattis. Based on her story about her weekend at Laguna Seca, winning with such a car under the primitive conditions of the day, was unquestionably an achievement.
The following are from Lyn’s notes on previous Bugatti drivers:
Hellè Nice – won her first race in the third all-women’s Grand Prix race at Montihery on June 2, 1929. History has lost the details but it is thought that the color of Helle's lovely eyes caught the attention of Ettore Bugatti, and caused him to proclaim, “The perfect match for the color of my Bugattis” so he entrusted her with a Type 35C Grand Prix to break the record at Montihery. She went on to compete in not only Bugattis but Alfas, Omega 6, Millers, Duesenberg, and other cars of the era.
Elizabeth Junek – only raced for a few years, until the death of her husband, and came in 5
th in the 1928 Targa Florio in a Bugatti Type 35B.
Jill Scott – raced a black and green Bugatti in 1928 at Brooklands.
Kay Petre – raced a blue Bugatti Type 35C from 1933-1935 at Brooklands, as well as other famed tracks like Le Mans and the Alpine and Monte Carlo rallies.
Eileen Ellison – raced a Bugatti Type 37 in1932 at Brooklands and the RAC Rallye.
Anne Cecile Rose Itier – started racing Bugattis in1929, including a Bugatti Type 51 and others in races and rallies.
Marquerite Mareuse – teamed with
Odette Siko in a Bugatti Type 40 in 1930, ’31, ’33 as the first females to race at Le Mans, finishing 7
th in 1930.
Lucy Schell – from the USA, raced a Bugatti in the 1932 St. Raphael Rally among other international races.
So you see, women have successfully competed at the highest levels for a very long time.
Women have also done remarkably well in IndyCar. In fact a total of nine, and aside from Lyn, other notables are
Janet Guthrie,
Sarah Fisher,
Danica Patrick, Simona deSilvestro, and Katherine Legge.
Among all current drivers, IMSA competitors Championship winning
Christina Neilson and
Katherine Legge both race for top teams and are among my ”favorite drivers” for both their competitiveness and their aggressive styles.
In general, several women have attempted to compete in F1 over the years but none had a steady ride or made an impact.
Desire Wilson won an Aurora Formula One race at Brands Hatch and was very competitive in open wheel and sports cars. In the heyday of professional rallying, women and women teams competed and won. Our oft mentioned friend
,
Denise McCluggage rallied in North America and Europe for the Ford factory. She was also successful in sports car racing and won her class at the
Sebring 12 Hours in a Ferrari. She never considered herself a “woman racer”.
Pat Moss, Stirling’s sister, also had a successful rallying career and did a number of other European rallies.
While
Danica Patrick was always considered a threat to win in IndyCar, her foray in NASCAR will never be considered in the same light as her IndyCar successes, but her record will show that she qualified and finished well and was respected by fans and fellow drivers in a very tough series. Who’s next?
While attending the recent WeatherTech Laguna Seca Historics, Lyn introduced me to her friend and mentee, pictured above, sixteen year old
Courtney Crone. She is currently leading the Formula Car Challenge series. She is a remarkable young woman who presents herself with a confidence beyond her young years. She, and we hope others, is one to watch!
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Mullin Bugatti T57 SC Atlantic
Sketch by Paul Chenard
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1965 Ferrari 250 LM
Photo By Michael Furman
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Sketching Here and There at Lime Rock
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Paul Chenard - LRP Historics 37
Photo By Dom Miliano
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I’ve so wanted to return to the Lime Rock Historic Festival, and with the encouragement and support of fabulous artist Chris Osborne and Michael Ricciardi of European Motorsports, I made the journey.
Over 2,100 miles of driving later, I still can’t believe the amazing time I had there.
With the help of the Lime Rock Park marketing staff, including Mitchell Conroy, Mike Distefano, and Nicholas Leone, I got to live-sketch dream cars.
The first was the
Mullin Museum’s famous Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. As I sketched away, I met old friends, and made new ones, including Peter Mullin himself, who came to see what I was hatching. He is in fact buying the original art, with the proceeds of the sale going to the supported charity The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The next day, I pinched myself … there was the 1937 24 Heures du Mans winning Bugatti Type 57G from the Simeone Museum! Another stunning subject to sketch!
Of course, it was all part of the largest North American gathering of the Bugatti marque, with 60 + examples assembled! So much French rolling beauty in one place!!
Over the weekend, I was so happy to connect in person with Lyn St.James, a real racing hero of mine, plus the wonderful
Tom Cotter, writer, racer, and TV personality.
On Coucours car show day, I chose to sketch Chuck Schoendorf’s brutish Cunningham C-4RK recreation. I love the purposeful lines of that racer … it just shouts, “
Get out of my way! ”
On the last day, I wandered around to say hello to friends Phil Lamont and Michael Gans, stopping at Tom’s stand to check out his Cunningham C-3 when he requested a sketch of it. No problem! The barn-find racer still has its patina, making it a challenging subject to sketch.
I sold 3 of my 4 sketches, allowing me to more than cover my costs, while also providing a bit of a show for the spectators. I was made to feel so at home at
Lime Rock Park, I can’t imagine not returning for next year’s Historic Festival.
Paul Chenard
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From the M/C Collection at LRP Historics 37
Photo By Dom Miliano
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30,990 miles. Finished in its original ermine white and black vinyl interior. A champion show car ready for a new owner.
Matching numbers drive train. NCRS restoration – completed in 2007 by an NCRS judge – completed its first NCRS judging in September 2008 with a score of 96.9 first time out- impressive! The engine Block lost “0” points for broach marks or numbers and the car was restored using extreme attention to factory detail with all shim and frame markings in correct places.
* 427 – 390hp Turbo-Jet Engine, M-21 4-Speed Transmission,
* Side Pipe Exhaust,
* AM/FM Factory Radio,
* Bolt On Wheels,
* Red Line Tires,
* Transistor Ignition,
* Rare Shoulder Harness,
* Posi 3:70 Rear End.
This Corvette is documented with its original Window Sticker, Original Build Sheet, all NCRS Judging Sheets, Awards, Ribbons and a complete owner history from new. One of the best documented, restored Big Block 67 Corvettes, here is your chance to own one.
My name is Paul. Please call me directly with any questions. My cell phone is always with me at (978) 771-8375. I promise you will enjoy your experience at
Silverstone Motorcars
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Bugattis Touring California
Photo By Shoot For Details
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Medical Update - Robert Wickens
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While hardly a rookie, Rob Wickens, or more specifically, his imaginative and courageous driving style has captured the imaginations of IndyCar race fans. Wickens is the real deal! His accident, reminiscent of the crash that cost Dan Weldon his life, must be a source of concern and a motivation for action for the whole IndyCar community. Motorsports enthusiasts have come a long way in the past 50 years. We are all well past the time when an accident could be referred to as a “great crash”. Crashing is not entertaining. Below is a much abbreviated version of the press release of September 6. More details can be found by
clicking here
. pb
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018) - Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens underwent surgeries this week at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to repair fractures to both of his legs and hands from injuries sustained in a crash during the INDYCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 19. The surgeries were completed without complication.
Wickens is expected to be transferred to a rehabilitation center in the coming days to begin the recovery process. The severity of the spinal cord injury he sustained in the incident remains indeterminate and under evaluation. Physicians stress it could take weeks or months for the full effects of the injury to be known.
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and positive energy that has been sent our way since Robert’s accident,” the Wickens family said in a statement. "We are blown away by the strength of this INDYCAR community and the support within it. While Robert’s recovery and rehabilitation continue over the coming weeks and months, your loving messages will certainly be a source of encouragement for him.
An update will be provided when Wickens has been transferred to his rehabilitation facility. Further updates will come from Wickens. Alongside the team, he will document his recovery process and share updates at appropriate times. SPM, the Wickens family and Robert ask everyone to respect their request for privacy at this time.
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I remember so well meeting Don Panoz and riding with him in his car while he took me around
Road Atlanta. He told me about all the changes he planned to make and he shared with me how much he admired LPGA Hall of Fame golfer Kathy Whitworth. He showed me the golf course he built and told me how his son Danny always wanted to design cars. He told Danny the best way to promote a new car was to race it, and after going to the 24 Hours of Le Mans he was hooked on racing.
I loved Road Atlanta and his vision was so exciting to hear. And, of course, we were able to watch it happen.
We worked together when he hired me to create the
Women’s Global GT Series in 1999. While I didn’t always agree with him, his wife Nancy reminded me that he was right more than 50% of the time. It was clear to me that it was his vision and I was there to execute, not debate.
He saw women as equals and was a man of conviction and integrity, and I will remember the twinkle in his eyes forever!
Lyn St. James
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1952 Kurtis 500A Chrysler at LRP Historics 37
Photo By Dom Miliano
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Sandra Button has been the Chairman of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2002. She was the Executive Director for decades prior and has helped to inspire and guide the growth of the collector car hobby into a truly global celebration of the automobile. Sandra participates and officiates automotive events from Asia and the Middle East to South America. She and her husband, Martin, have an eclectic collection of automobiles that they drive in events including the Mille Miglia, the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, the London to Brighten Veteran Car Run and many others. She’s a member of the Royal Automobile Club, the Classic Car Club of America, the Motor Press Guild, and the Society of Automotive Historians.
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Editor - Dom Miliano
Contributors - Michael Furman
- Cars Yeah
- Paul Chenard
- Lyn St. James
- Shoot For Details
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