Don't forget Nuvolari!
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Sir,
I was interested to see your Co. Durham reader’s list of “old when they retired racing drivers”, although Nuvolari’s name is a surprising omission and one presumes this to be merely an oversight. If my information is correct he should top the list with Chiron, having driven in the 1948 French GP aged 56.
What is more interesting is the ability of a driver to remain competitive when considered elderly and one naturally thinks of Fangio who was as good as ever when he retired at 47.
Surely the most remarkable performances of all, although not in Grand Prix, were Nuvolari’s drives in the Mille Miglias of 1947 and 1948. Run in appalling conditions he finished second in 1947 and the next year retired about 100 miles or so from the finish when well in the lead. One has only to read the briefest descriptions of these races to appreciate the courage and sheer skill which was required and which put the final seal on the most exciting motor racing career of all.
J. J. B. Dowling.
Belfast.