Cars, but must have been a heckuva race

Was reading Jim Rathmann's obit after his death last week and reading about his 1960 Indy 500 win, I could only imagine what that race with Roger Ward must have been like. No computers, no electronic communication... wheel to wheel, man that was racing. I Know, I know, not bikes, but still, what a classic race.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/1960-indianapolis-500-winner-Jim-Rathmann-dies-112311

From the story: "Over the final 250 miles, he and defending champion Rodger Ward engaged in a test of wills. They traded the lead 14 times in two hours, rarely running more than a few feet apart while fighting worn tires and guessing at fuel mileage relayed to them only by pit board."

Chills, just chills at such racing history.

RIP, Mr. Rathmann :up:

 

RIP Rathmann.

 

He was a hell of a racer. Those were the days of racing greats. And the cars were works of art. Here is part 1 of the 1960 500.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA7qqdNsqpw

 

I listened to the race on the radio as a little boy. You know, Freddy Agabashian and all those guys, switching commentators at every corner as they followed the leaders around, doesn't sound like much but they made it very exciting! Forget what they called the show, "500 Auto Racing Network" or something, they broadcast the 500 every year, did a great job. Anyway, they kept calling him "the Bridesmaid and now the bride" because he had finished second so many times, I just couldn't understand it, as a little kid, LOL. Back in the day that was THE race, only one like it in the world, biggest race there was. Rathmann winning it was a big deal, and beating Ward to do it was a big deal too. Remember the pics in Hot Rod Magazine of the tires down to the cord. Cut it pretty close.