May 19, 2009

Indy 500 1973: Peter Revson

From Wikipedia:

The nephew of Revlon Cosmetics industry magnate Charles Revson, he was an heir to his father Martin's fortune (reportedly worth over $1 billion).
Described as a "free spirit" that passed up an easy life for one of speed and danger. Off the track, he led his life at the same accelerated pace. Revson piloted a 32-foot (9.8 m) ChrisCraft and courted some of the most beautiful women in the world, including fashion model and 1973 Miss World, Marjorie Wallace. He had met Wallace at the Indianapolis 500; she was an Indianapolis native who was referred to as the "Hoosier Hotshot."
In 1971 and became the first American to win the Can-Am Championship. That same season he finished second in the Indianapolis 500 after posting the fastest qualifying time. He competed in the Indy 500 each year from 1969-1973. He won the British Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix in 1973, before moving to Shadow in 1974. He is the last American born driver to win a Formula One race (Mario Andretti, who won in later years, is a naturalized American).

During a practice run for the 1974 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami, he was killed as a result of suspension failure on his Shadow Ford DN3.

3 comments:

Terry Parkhurst said...

Your father's photo of Peter Revson captures the racer's intensity. I still have the book "Speed with Style," a biography of Peter Revson, co-written with the late Leon Mandel.

Thanks for posting this photo. Peter died much too young; as he still had great things to accomplish.

Unknown said...

Thanks Terry it is a shame to have life snatched away so young.

Anonymous said...

I had the great honor to know Peter at this time in his life and this picture depicts him beautifully. He was at times intense, but also kind, thoughtful and had a wonderful sense of humor. Thanks for the memory.

RIP Peter. You are dearly missed.