The Race of Two Worlds was billed as a contest between the leading F1 and Indy stars of the day around Monza's fierce banking. In truth the event was a one-man race. Jim Rathmann, born on this day, took the glory
It was a novel, if not naïve, concept: bringing 10 of the best and bravest IndyCar drivers from America to Italy to compete against an equal number of Formula 1's finest in a 500-mile race at Monza. But it sounded better than it played out because Stirling Moss and his Maserati were no match for those rugged roadsters from the United States Auto Club.
Fifty years ago this month, Jim Rathmann made quick work of the F1 contingent and his American counterparts in the second and final 500 Miglia di Monza. That 39-degree banking in the turns combined with the bumpy 2.6-mile track and ridiculous speeds played right into the strength of Rathmann and his roadster, built and prepared by A J Watson.
"It was the fastest, toughest track we'd ever seen..."
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