Fords Forever   For the Enthusiast  


Racing Legend Chris Amon has Died
Former F1 driver Chris Amon dies after battle with cancer
August 3, 2016 - www.autoweek.com

Amon won Le Mans in 1966 in a Ford GT40, partnered with Bruce McLaren



Amon, 73, was widely considered one of the best F1 drivers to never have won a Grand Prix.

The New Zealand native started 96 races for Ferrari and Matra between 1963 and 1976, taking 11 podiums and five poles.

Amon also made a name for himself in sports car racing. The driver won the 1966 Le Mans 24 hour race with friend and fellow driver Bruce McLaren in a Ford GT40. Earlier this year, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of that win.

In 1967, Amon won the Daytona 24 Hour race with Lorenzo Bandini in a Ferrari 330 P4.

After has racing career ended in 1977, Amon returned to New Zealand to be with his family.

"Chris battled cancer in the recent years," his family said in a statement. "But retained not only a close interest in Formula 1 -- and his wide range of favorite topics -- but also his wonderful sense of humor complete with infectious chuckle."

 

Last updated: All Rights Reserved
Since March, 2016