The American Legacy in Formula 1
By Phillip van Osten
This may be a promotional book for the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, but it is also a definitive history of the relationship between the United States of America and the FIA’s World Championship for Formula One, nothing less than a textbook for anyone wishing to learn about that relationship and its realities. Opening with comments from the circuit founders, it follows with a Foreword from Mario Andretti, before tracking down the pyramid of successes enjoyed by drivers from the USA in the world’s premier form of motor sport.
At its pinnacle are profiles of our World Champions, Phil Hill and Mario Andretti, and the pedestal upon which they are placed is then supported by extended sketches of the three other Yankee drivers to win GPs, Dan Gurney, Richie Ginther and Peter Revson. After them, attention turns to the six Americans who stood on at least one post-race podium, the further five who scored points and the 19 others who qualified though never enjoyed points or podiums.
Next comes a look at each of the seven teams that carried the stars and stripes into battle, the suppliers of “Made in the USA” components and a listing of the nine previous circuits to host USGPs. Author van Osten’s words are embellished by the unmatched imagery of Bernard and Paul-Henri Cahier, per et fils of F1 photographic greatness. We cannot recommend this book too highly.
Available for US$99.95 from publisher Octane Press at www.octanepress.com
