Sam’s deep resume includes Indy, Le Mans --- he stood on the 24 Hour podium with "Tony A-to-Z” in 1971 logging the best Le Mans finish for a Ferrari 512 -- Can-Am and, of course, Formula 5000 where he and 2009 Amelia Honoree David Hobbs put on a superb show on and off track.
Sam raced in two World Championship F1 races at Watkins Glen for Team Surtees and won the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring with Amelia’s 2000 Honoree Brian Redman for BMW. He logged just one Indy 500 finishing 5th, then became part of the ABC broadcast team where he and the late Bobby Unser – our 2004 Amelia Honoree –- put on a show worthy of the long-running Hobbs-Posey Show of F5000.
2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Honoree Poster featuring Sam Posey
Sam’s articulate style and deep inside knowledge served him well. It translated into the written word with his first book The Mudge Pond Express. Later, Playing With Trains chronicled his artistic and supremely realistic creation – in his basement – of an elaborate indoor model railroad and his fine book on racing, Where the Rubber Meets the Road.
His literary skills were on full display in his award-winning pieces for Road & Track that we wish someone would make into a book. (Especially his feature on Ford’s seminal River Rouge plant that put the industrial America into context, even for the motorsport enthusiast.)
We’re honored to call Sam a friend. We’re grateful that his input, intellect, passion for motorsport, wit and industry have helped make The Amelia the success it is today.
Happy birthday, Sam. Thanks for taking us along on a very fast and fun ride.
