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Audio Video

More Exciting Racing Sounds of Grand Prix: Monte Carlo

The Exciting Racing Sounds of Grand Prix

If you’ve been following our series on this wonderful album of audio recorded during research for John Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix, you know what a joy it is to hear Phil Hill lead us through some of the stops of the ’66 season. This time, it’s Monaco.

We start with 30 seconds or so of the the full grid of 16 drivers revving in preparation for the start of the GP. This could have well been the inspiration for the marvelous opening credits/overture sequence at the start of the film. Then we take a spin around the track with Graham Hill. A thrilling drive indeed.

It’s also interesting to hear Phil describe the technical details of the engine and transmissions of Formula 1 cars, followed by audio of drivers really pushing their engines and transmissions hard in several portions: hard on the brakes through Gasometre Hairpin and head up towards the pits, through the tunnel towards the chicane, and as heard by the spectators. As always, fantastic audio.
Follow along with this track map, pulled from the back of the record jacket.

Monoco Track Map


Read the complete series.

Categories
Lost Track

Monza Banking Saved?

I haven’t been able to confirm this anywhere online – which is surprising given the number of ‘Save the Banking‘ sites and petitions that exist online – but Vintage Racecar Journal reports in their March issue that a deal has been struck between Monza’s ruling body the SIAS and the Monza city council that will guarantee the survival of the Monza banking. According to the article, the deal stipulates that the raised sections of the autodrome must be rebuilt within 5 years; not just preserving them, but restoring the banking to it’s former glory. Will we see race action on the banking again?

I sure hope so.