1977 Formula Atlantic - what a great year!

I was looking at the final standings for the 1977 CASC Formula Atlantic season - a who's who of racers - Villeneuve, Rahal, Cobb, Rosberg, Holmes, Cogan, Depailler, Lafitte, Steve Saleen, Pironi amongst the names.

Also quite sad that Villeneuve, Depailler, and Pironi have all left us too soon.

1977 Formula Atlantic season - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Interesting to see those final 1977 Formula Atlantic standings again. 10 of those drivers drove for my family's Atlantic and F2 teams, 5 of whom went on to F1 including a World Champion. Quite an Atlantic lineup!

 

Interesting! Any pics?

 

Larry, does that make you an Opert?

 

Excellent deduction!

 

Keke drove #5 Sheik car?

 

Hundreds of great closeups from Atlantic, F2 and F1. Someday I'll figure out how to get them posted.

 

Opert Racing? Now there's a name from the past!!! Joe Stimola isn't up here too now is he?

 

Sadly, Joe passed away two years ago, after decades of lending a helping hand to aspiring young race drivers and engineers...

 

I ran F/A during the 70's also. A friend of mine worked for Joe before moving on to work with "Uncle Bobby" at Garza Racing. Great class to race in but Tex Arnold and I didn't fair along too well. Fractured one to many rule for his liking.

 

I worked closely with joe in 1990 testing the swift DB4 carbon. It was always fun with Joe and the had and cigar ensured you could never miss him in the paddock

It was sad the day we lost him.

PCB

 

Decent guy and gave a lot of mechanics a way into the business.