You may remember that Sir Stirling Moss was scheduled to race his very own 1961 Porsche RS61 during the Legends race at this year’s Le Mans. Well this afternoon during qualify for the race, Moss made the decision to call it quits.
“This afternoon I scared myself and I have always said that if I felt I was not up to it or that I was getting in the way of fellow competitors, then I would retire”.
Having raced from the age of 18, winning the British Grand Prix twice, the Monaco Grand Prix three times, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and the Tourist Trophy, as well as countless other races, during his professional career, Sir Stirling Moss may is widely regarded as THE greatest driver never to have won the Formula One championship.
As Stirling said, on the day of his retirement, “I love racing, but now it is time to stop”.
Personally, I think Sir Stirling Moss’s reason for retiring defines his greatness.
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Porsche RS61 Purchased by Sir Stirling Moss for $1.705MM
[Source: StirlingMoss.com]
View Comments (8)
Sir Sterling Moss was a great competitor and we will surely miss him in a race car. Even for exhibition racing. Man has to know his limitations for sure.
@Neil, very true. His skills as a driver and overall good nature will be missed more than anything. My hope is that he stays active in the racing community in one way or another.
That's Stirling. Sterling is the spelling of Scotch origin and belongs to Stirling Moss. Sterling is an English name.
Sorry...Stirling is the spelling of Scotch origin, Sterling of English.
A couple of years ago, while attending the Amelia Island Concours, I had a lifetime wish fulfilled. I had taken two of my old Automobile Years (64 and 65) with me, and my copy of "The Cruel Sport", as I often do in the hope of obtaining some autographs from some of racing's all-time greats. As luck would have it, I turned around just in time to see Sir Stirling and his wife approaching in a golf cart for a book signing. He got out, I walked up to him and introduced myself and asked if he had a few minutes to sign some photos from my books. He shook my hand (incredible!) and said "Sure". We talked briefly about how I had the opportunity to see him drive at Sebring in 62...my only chance. He was such a gentleman and spent about 5 minutes chatting with me. Thank you, Sir Stirling for your kindness that day...you gave me a memory I will never forget.
Dennis,
We too had the chance to meet him a few years ago. He, like almost all the great drivers we've met, was genuine, friendly and humble in a way that belies the inner confidence and ego it must take to drive at those speeds and achieve so much.
Pepper Girl,
I agree... Dan Gurney was there that day as well. After the signing, they went to the side of the M-B display where the signing was held, and found a table by themselves. I again approached (acosted?) them for more autographed photos and they shared some great conversation with me and laughed at the memories the photos had brought back to them. I have had similiar (friendly, genuine and humble) experiences with John Surtees, John Fitch, Carroll Shelby and Junior Johnson...gentlemen all.
I think Sterling Moss's car it should sell for more than my 1959 RSK 718 which sold for $3M + recently.
Roy Schechter