John Fitch has Died

[cosworth151]

John Fitch was a man I've admired since my childhood. He was a WW II fighter pilot. He was one of the best American racers of his day. He was Corvette's first team manager. He managed Lime Rock. He designed his own versions of the Corvair and the Firebird. And, from everything I ever read about him, a great gentleman.

John Fitch passed away today at the age of 95. R.I.P., John. We shan't see your like again.

http://updates.jalopnik.com/post/34713297226/racing-legend-and-all-around-badass-john-fitch-dies-at

[cosworth151]

I found another piece on Fitch, a bit more comprehensive.

He's some typical Fitch. He managed to get hold of a wrecked Allard for the 1951 Argentine Grand Prix:

“The frame was bent, so I secured it to an oak tree with a chain and kept backing up till it was reasonably straight. Well, I won the race and was awarded a trophy by Eva Peron, who gave me a kiss . . . and died shortly thereafter!”

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121031/alms/121019873#ixzz2AuvRko66
 

[F1fanaticBD]

Looks like another racing legend has left us. I am not liking this year as we have lost many father figure in racing

We lost Prof Sid, now John Fitch (Both seems to be a prominent figure in safety issue)

For me it has became worse as I have lost two of the greatest Novelist of Modern era of my language, Mr. Humayun & Mr. Sunil, unexpectedly, in if we could be sum up in bizzare circumstance.

Not turning out to be a great year for me 

[cosworth151]

Here's John's last interview, in the Jay Leno's Garage series.

I love when he's talking about running a 300 SL at Bonneville in his nineties. "I did around 150-160. It's nothing, really. There's nothing out there to hit."

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/segment/interviews-1/rest-in-peace-john-fitch/index.shtml

[F1fanaticBD]

What a great guy..

We will miss you Mr. Fitch, I hope you have something to hit in the heaven with your dream car, because you deserve everybit of it..