There needs to be more people like David Purley (sprint car, drivers, stopping)

[Refrigerator]

Just wanted to share this video with anyone who views this thread.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mz3ZzSXyWM

This is a really sad video of David Purley trying to save his friend and fellow racer Roger Williamson in 1973 F1 at Holland. There needs to be more people like him and help others out.

[cmj_fla]

Wow, amazing and heartbreaking. I am speechless. Thank you for sharing.

[burdell]

I've been an F1 fan a long time, I remember that race.

There have been similar incidents involving, IIRC, Mike Hailwood and James Hunt attempting to rescue other drivers trapped in their cars.

It was a horribly dangerous sport years ago that produced some truly heroic actions.

[greginsc]

Thanks for posting the thread and video. It truly is sobering to watch. I do not want to slight the courage of todays racer, but those guys from those days were the real warriors.
The cars were so much more of a beast, just browse for old vintage race car pictures and the crude attempts at safety will jump out at you.

I have followed racing all of my life, and went to my first race in 1971, it is in my blood, and I have raced a little myself. David Purley shows more courage than any other racing event I have ever seen.
He had no way of knowing if the car would have exploded, as he tried to save Williamsons life, he even disregarded his own safety.

God bless David Purley

[Refrigerator]

Originally Posted by greginsc

Thanks for posting the thread and video. It truly is sobering to watch. I do not want to slight the courage of todays racer, but those guys from those days were the real warriors.
The cars were so much more of a beast, just browse for old vintage race car pictures and the crude attempts at safety will jump out at you.

I have followed racing all of my life, and went to my first race in 1971, it is in my blood, and I have raced a little myself. David Purley shows more courage than any other racing event I have ever seen.
He had no way of knowing if the car would have exploded, as he tried to save Williamsons life, he even disregarded his own safety.

God bless David Purley

Speaking of the beast cars of those days, I would want to share another video. I will just post it here instead of a new thread. *I did not make any of these videos*


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl2tIFxSEGA

[burdell]

Originally Posted by Refrigerator

Speaking of the beast cars of those days, I would want to share another video. I will just post it here instead of a new thread. *I did not make any of these videos*


YouTube - F1 1979 René Arnoux Vs Gilles Vileneuve

I've been watching US F1 TV since coverage was maybe 10 minutes of Monaco on ABC-TV. I think this was one of the GREAT battles we've been able to watch!

[Cali BassMan]

I have seen California Sprint Car Star Brent Kaeding do this three times, once stopping his car and getting out to rescue a driver at Calistoga speedway, He also is the first one on the seen in this video

YouTube - Schatz crash & fire
It's Outlaws Champion Donny Shatz catching fire in Chico at the Gold Cup Race of Champions, the fisrt guy on the sceen is Kaeding, what the viseo does'nt show is him going into the car to get the driver out..

[burdell]

There are a number of people in racing who are true Champions, even if they've never seen the checkers first

[AllenKarber]

That video of Purley trying to save Williamson is truly moving. I've seen it several times,and it still gives me chills. I like to think I would do the same thing,but who knows unless you're ever in that situation. I do know that burning to death is just about my worst fear.

[Cali BassMan]

Originally Posted by AllenKarber

I do know that burning to death is just about my worst fear.

Yes. that and being eaten alive