They linger in legend long after the last echoes of Offenhauser exhaust faded into the breeze blowing across the hallowed grounds of Italy’s Autodromo di Monza. They sprang from a desire to bring the European road racing establishment and the dreaded American oval-trackers together for 500 miles at Monza, in view of the fact that the Indianapolis 500 was then listed as a round of the World Championship. They took place in 1957 and 1958, but then died from a distinct lack of interest on the European side.
Italy’s most famous closed circuit was configured as an oval by using only its daunting high banks and circumventing the interlinked road course, but since the newly unionized European drivers branded the race as unsafe due to the anticipated speeds and most declined to participate, the vaunted “Race of Two Worlds” never truly happened.
Also not taking part was television, so we’ve mostly had to rely upon still photographs and period accounts, as well as second-hand stories from those who were there or knew someone who was. Now, however, thanks to those who sagaciously filmed the proceedings and the advent of You Tube on the Internet, we can all see what happened there. Have a look and a listen, and gain a new appreciation for those brave men who did take part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu-2SsGiESc
