James Hunt

[Saint Devote]

For those like myself whose attitude to F1 and the morals contained therein was forged between 1974 and 1980 it is poignant I think to remember a driver that was so much part of that world.

So lets remember James Hunt on the 17th anniversary of his sudden and too early passing.

He was an outrageous personality but beloved dearly by many of his colleagues, friends and family and of course his fans - even the tifosi :D

His ability was immense and he was the only driver able to drive the M26!

He would have been totally disliked by the f1 of today - but then that does not say much really.

Those too who only got to know James when he and Murray Walker became the voices of f1 to fans in the English speaking world, must surely feel something. In my view the greatest commentary team ever and I loved those days too.

For those like myself interested in who he was in addition to his racing - and I am happily privileged to have seen him race - I recommend the book "James Hunt" by Gerald Donaldson. I can assure you that you will enjoy it and shed a tear or THREE :D

Rest in peace James

[Valve Bounce]

Oh! you are a saint!

[BT46B]

I may be wrong, but didn't James Hunt win the World's Championship over Niki Lauda by 1/2 point the year Niki had his huge accident at Nurburgring? Both showcase drivers!

[52Paddy]

I never had the privilege of seeing Hunt race. I don't even know that much about his driving or character. His commentary alongside Murray was stuff of legend though :up:

Thanks for the heads up on the book, St. D. I'm reading a few books at the moment, but when I'm done, I reckon I'll buy Donaldson's one.

[Vitesse]

James was one of the last great playboy drivers. He played hard, but by God he also drove hard in the spirit of Hawthorn, Collins and the rest.

Also worth picking up is the book he did with Eoin Young immediately after his championship - "Against All Odds" - if only for the wonderful line addressed to his new dog when he'd interrupted an interview (and probably direct from Young's tape of it) by flushing a cat out of the long grass:


Oscar, OSCAR! No! There's a good boy ... mustn't chase pussies or little animals. I'm the only one allowed to do that.

"Master James" in a nutshell!

I would say RIP, but I'm sure he and his old mate Barry Sheene are still having a ball somewhere up there in Racing Heaven!

[Valve Bounce]

I may be wrong, but didn't James Hunt win the World's Championship over Niki Lauda by 1/2 point the year Niki had his huge accident at Nurburgring? Both showcase drivers!

Let's not detract from Jame's Championship. I was at Brands when, if I remember correctly, a Ferrari driver caused a helluva prang just after the start which damaged James's car. James somehow returned to the pits and got into a spare car, went out and won decisively. But Ferrari then protested because of a technicality about Jame's return to the pits and ultimately, James was disqualified. This was despite the fact that it was a Ferrari driver who caused the prang which damaged James's car. Was it Regga who cause dthe prang? Can't remember, too long ago.

So, as far as I am concerned, I have no qualms about James winning the championship.

Unfortunately, this was the same year where Niki had that horrible accident at the Nurburgring, where his lungs were burnt when he inhaled the burning fumes, not to mention his face. That he raced at Monza was a matter of great controversy, as some would claim that Ferrari didn't want to give him a car, and McLaren "offered" Niki a car if Ferrari wouldn't. Niki did finish the race and his head gear was soaked in blood when he finished. That is why, of all the drivers that I admire for their driving, I admire Niki more than anyone else on this earth for his bravery and courage.

But I digress - let's not take anything away from James's win. OK!!

[ShiftingGears]

Let's not detract from Jame's Championship. I was at Brands when, if I remember correctly, a Ferrari driver caused a helluva prang just after the start which damaged James's car. James somehow returned to the pits and got into a spare car, went out and won decisively. But Ferrari then protested because of a technicality about Jame's return to the pits and ultimately, James was disqualified. This was despite the fact that it was a Ferrari driver who caused the prang which damaged James's car. Was it Regga who cause dthe prang? Can't remember, too long ago.

So, as far as I am concerned, I have no qualms about James winning the championship.

Unfortunately, this was the same year where Niki had that horrible accident at the Nurburgring, where his lungs were burnt when he inhaled the burning fumes, not to mention his face. That he raced at Monza was a matter of great controversy, as some would claim that Ferrari didn't want to give him a car, and McLaren "offered" Niki a car if Ferrari wouldn't. Niki did finish the race and his head gear was soaked in blood when he finished. That is why, of all the drivers that I admire for their driving, I admire Niki more than anyone else on this earth for his bravery and courage.

But I digress - let's not take anything away from James's win. OK!!


Hunt's disqualification in Brands Hatch '76 well and truly takes a dump over Hamilton's disqualification in Spa '08 in terms of embarrassing action taken by the FIA.

Disqualified two months after the grand prix!!

[wedge]

A human being and he was a flawed man.

Involved in the crash that cost the life of Ronnie Peterson (RIP).

For the BBC commentaries he would belittle Patrese (a scapegoat at the time) whenever he appeared onscreen. Yet Hunt it would be much later when he would admit that he was wrong (and in private IIRC) which I find very hard to forgive.

[D-Type]

I think this is simply another example of a top racer's psyche. A top driver needs to have incredible self-belief verging on arrogance. I'm sure that Hunt just couldn't believe that he had been at fault and consequently blamed, and continued to blame, Patresi.
It would only be years later when he had mellowed and was able to view films and picture sequences showing what really happened that he would be able to admit he was in the wrong.

[wedge]

I think this is simply another example of a top racer's psyche. A top driver needs to have incredible self-belief verging on arrogance. I'm sure that Hunt just couldn't believe that he had been at fault and consequently blamed, and continued to blame, Patresi.
It would only be years later when he had mellowed and was able to view films and picture sequences showing what really happened that he would be able to admit he was in the wrong.

I don't mind that at all. I fully understand that Patrese was a scapegoat at that time but I just don't like the way Hunt exploited the microphone to express thoughts that - IMHO - should've stayed private and only expressed when asked.

This is probably feeble in comparison but I admire the dignitary and the diplomacy of Damon Hill when asked about Schumi as his adversary in the mid-90s.

[Saint Devote]

This thread was intended for those who remember James with affection and gained so much enjoyment for him being part of f1.

Those with axes to grind, accusations to make and trying to undermine his championship - something Niki Lauda explains well that contradicts such an attitude - are not welcome here.

One does not attend a wake to villify. So please respect this thread in the same way.

[Saint Devote]

James used to say that only the bores stay at a party until the very end.

He left the party of life too soon, was never boring, according to those who knew him and his beloved dog Oscar as well as his most foul mouthed parrot!

James was as usual the exception to the rule :s mokin:

[BT46B]

Let's not detract from Jame's Championship. I was at Brands when, if I remember correctly, a Ferrari driver caused a helluva prang just after the start which damaged James's car. James somehow returned to the pits and got into a spare car, went out and won decisively. But Ferrari then protested because of a technicality about Jame's return to the pits and ultimately, James was disqualified. This was despite the fact that it was a Ferrari driver who caused the prang which damaged James's car. Was it Regga who cause dthe prang? Can't remember, too long ago.

So, as far as I am concerned, I have no qualms about James winning the championship.

Unfortunately, this was the same year where Niki had that horrible accident at the Nurburgring, where his lungs were burnt when he inhaled the burning fumes, not to mention his face. That he raced at Monza was a matter of great controversy, as some would claim that Ferrari didn't want to give him a car, and McLaren "offered" Niki a car if Ferrari wouldn't. Niki did finish the race and his head gear was soaked in blood when he finished. That is why, of all the drivers that I admire for their driving, I admire Niki more than anyone else on this earth for his bravery and courage.

But I digress - let's not take anything away from James's win. OK!!

Thanks Valve - not to diss James Hunt or his legacy - simply a nod to Lauda's skill and balls to come back after that horrible shunt after 6 weeks and just barely lose. No offense to the Hunt fans I'm in awe of him myself, just could never get over Lauda's entire situation that season and the accident and all the talent he also showed - ok?

[keysersoze]

Talented, sure. Gutsy, OK. But probably too lazy, and didn't he quit in the middle of the season? Faded late in his career, which probably makes his "bores stay at a party to the very end" a hypocritical one.

Can't forgive him for the Patrese slagging--sorry.

[ArrowsFA1]

WHqEsZgku-k

[wedge]

One does not attend a wake to villify.

What about Pol Pot's or Hitler's?

I'm objective in private conversations when I've attended funerals.

There are some things in life that are unforgivable and James Hunt was a human being and not a God.

We shouldn't celebrate a person's life and leave skeletons in the closest.

[ArrowsFA1]

It would only be years later when he had mellowed and was able to view films and picture sequences showing what really happened that he would be able to admit he was in the wrong.
I don't believe he ever admitted as much to Riccardo sadly. Bernie Ecclestone did attempt. unsuccessfully, some sort of rapprochement between the two men.

To be fair to James he was not alone in blaming Patrese. Senior drivers including Lauda, Fittipaldi and Scheckter got together to ensure Patrese was banned from the US GP, although they later issued a press statement to say that following all the investigations into the Monza accident they recognised that Riccardo was blameless. One or two did apologise to Riccardo personally.

James Hunt was a hero of mine as I began to become really interested in F1 from around 1975 onwards. The plucky Hesketh team, his win in Holland, and listening on the radio as he won the title in 1976 were all highlights. He was a deserving champion.

[wedge]

To be fair to James he was not alone in blaming Patrese

Too, too fair. Hunt went to extremes. Did Andretti, Schekter et al belittle Patrese at every opportunity?

Apart from that, he was a brilliant commentator who pretty much said all the right things and little to disagree with.

Hunt was before my time. I seem to remember and it must have been from a Ch4 documentary about 10 years ago that Hunt was one of those top drivers who blew hot and cold. When there was motivation he could beat anyone on his day.

[Saint Devote]

WHqEsZgku-k

Thanks for that :D

Morecombe and Wise with James was a big hit!

And a special mention given that you are a Patrese fan.

[Saint Devote]

I only met James once. We were both staying at the same hotel in Trois Rivieries. In those days the race promoters would bring over a half dozen F1 drivers and put them in Atlantics. Patricks Tambay and Depailler; Vittorio Brambilla and Alan Jones were at the race that year too. He was in the hotel bar and could not get served by the french bartender who, I guess, objected to his British accent. That was one of the years the French Canadian Quebecois were all hot for seceding from Canada. They didn't like anything resembling England and English speaking Canadians. My friend and I had to buy a beer and give it to him or he was going thirsty (the bartender sort of tolerated Americans).

That was the year Gilles came on the F1 scene. After being out qualified by Gilles, Hunt said to the press that, yes that young kid was quick but he couldn't drive the whole race that way. Next day James finished a fairly distant second to Gilles. A couple weeks later Gilles was testing a McLauren next to James.

After that race James complimented Gilles and when he got back home said to Teddy Mayer that he should sign GV immediately.

James would always happily declare that he had "discovered" GV.

[Valve Bounce]

This thread was intended for those who remember James with affection and gained so much enjoyment for him being part of f1.

Those with axes to grind, accusations to make and trying to undermine his championship - something Niki Lauda explains well that contradicts such an attitude - are not welcome here.

One does not attend a wake to villify. So please respect this thread in the same way.

This is BS. You post a thread on our forum entitled James Hunt. The way I see it, any forum member is entitled to post whatever they feel here concerning James Hunt : the good and the bad.

If you don't like the way we post/discuss topics on this forum, as I have told you many times before, go post your thread at some other forum.

[Easy Drifter]

I met Hunt a few times. He was a character and certainly enjoyed life.
However I never quite forgave him for punching a young glasses wearing marshal who was trying to help him after he tripped over Mass at turn 3 Mosport.
His general nickname was Hunt the Shunt from his early crash filled career but he had another nickname among many deeply involved in the sport. It rhymed with Hunt but I can't put it on this forum.
No question he was a very good driver.

[BT46B]

This is BS. You post a thread on our forum entitled James Hunt. The way I see it, any forum member is entitled to post whatever they feel here concerning James Hunt : the good and the bad.

If you don't like the way we post/discuss topics on this forum, as I have told you many times before, go post your thread at some other forum.

Thanks Valve, you know my post wasn't intended to slam Hunt in any way it was a point (or a half) for Lauda.

[ArrowsFA1]

And a special mention given that you are a Patrese fan.
James Hunt certainly went down in my estimation after Monza. Whether it was guilt at his own involvement in the incident I don't know but he, and other senior drivers led primarily by James and Niki Lauda, very publicly and very quickly blamed Patrese.

Their anger at the incident, and sadness at losing a friend, makes their actions somewhat understandable, but the fact is that video and film evidence, as well as a court case, cleared Riccardo of the charges made against him. The fact is he was not to blame, and yet James seemed unable to accept that. Not only that, but he continued to publicy criticise Patrese at every opportunity in his role as a tv commentator.

Riccardo will always be associated with events at Monza, and that is largely down to James Hunt. It's something that is still brought up, as I'm sure he will be when he races at Anderstorp in August. That's neither fair nor right, and it still angers me when I see the likes of Mike Doodson (http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft20348.html) say "I have reason to attribute much of the blame to him". Actually, no you don't.

[ShiftingGears]

I can't see anything from Monza '78 that suggests that Patrese is to blame. Just looks like a racing incident heavily influenced by the fact that the flags dropped before the rear of the grid actually stopped. Hunt couldn't view that incident rationally, and I cannot respect him for never admitting to Patrese that he was wrong/apologising.

As for his disqualification, I don't think Mike Hawthorn got any sort of disqualification for his part in the 1955 Le Mans disaster, despite braking suddenly on the straight to pit and, according to some reports, managing to miss his pit box by 70 metres.

[Saint Devote]

This is BS. You post a thread on our forum entitled James Hunt. The way I see it, any forum member is entitled to post whatever they feel here concerning James Hunt : the good and the bad.

If you don't like the way we post/discuss topics on this forum, as I have told you many times before, go post your thread at some other forum.

Well then, you see it wrong. I began this thread, not you. This thread is to commemorate the life of James Hunt on the anniversary of his passing.

It is intended for those like myself who appreciate him and not for people whose sole focus is on anything negative.

You are no different from those who choose to ignore the accomplishments of Schumi.

If you want to start a thread attacking James Hunt then do so, you have the same privileges here that I do.

[Saint Devote]

James Hunt certainly went down in my estimation after Monza. Whether it was guilt at his own involvement in the incident I don't know but he, and other senior drivers led primarily by James and Niki Lauda, very publicly and very quickly blamed Patrese.

Their anger at the incident, and sadness at losing a friend, makes their actions somewhat understandable, but the fact is that video and film evidence, as well as a court case, cleared Riccardo of the charges made against him. The fact is he was not to blame, and yet James seemed unable to accept that. Not only that, but he continued to publicy criticise Patrese at every opportunity in his role as a tv commentator.

Riccardo will always be associated with events at Monza, and that is largely down to James Hunt. It's something that is still brought up, as I'm sure he will be when he races at Anderstorp in August. That's neither fair nor right, and it still angers me when I see the likes of Mike Doodson (http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft20348.html) say "I have reason to attribute much of the blame to him". Actually, no you don't.

I am not one of those who think of Monza '78 where Patrese is concerned. When Patrese is mentioned I think of Kyalami 1981, 1983 and that Monte Carlo run of his.

I met him in 1981 during practice at Kyalami - in the paddock was the crashed Tyrrell of Desire Wilson and he happened to be standing there looking at the wreck. The days when racing drivers interacted with fans [celebrity lunacy had not invaded people yet].

[wedge]

Well then, you see it wrong. I began this thread, not you. This thread is to commemorate the life of James Hunt on the anniversary of his passing.

It is intended for those like myself who appreciate him and not for people whose sole focus is on anything negative.

You are no different from those who choose to ignore the accomplishments of Schumi.

If you want to start a thread attacking James Hunt then do so, you have the same privileges here that I do.

No one is attacking Hunt. There was good and bad points to him.

Someone will be reading this with little knowledge of Hunt and it is not right only a biased one sided picture being painted.

[Valve Bounce]

Well then, you see it wrong. I began this thread, not you. This thread is to commemorate the life of James Hunt on the anniversary of his passing.

It is intended for those like myself who appreciate him and not for people whose sole focus is on anything negative.

You are no different from those who choose to ignore the accomplishments of Schumi.

If you want to start a thread attacking James Hunt then do so, you have the same privileges here that I do.

Your topic was James Hunt. I see absolutely no reason why any forum member should restrict their discussions to how you dictate. As I said before, if you don't like the way we discuss anything in this forum, then you are free to post somewhere else.

I just wonder where you get off that you can tell forum members here how or what we can discuss in our forum.

[BT46B]

Your topic was James Hunt. I see absolutely no reason why any forum member should restrict their discussions to how you dictate. As I said before, if you don't like the way we discuss anything in this forum, then you are free to post somewhere else.

I just wonder where you get off that you can tell forum members here how or what we can discuss in our forum.

Because it's anonymous!!!!!!!!!!

[Saint Devote]

Because it's anonymous!!!!!!!!!!

No. But you can state your name if you want to, it will make no difference here. Its individuals like yourself and others that measure othrrs not by their accomplsihments but by controversy and detraction.

I started this thread and I set the tone.

Anyone wanting to attack James Hunt can do so some place else, they are not welcome on this thread celebrating his life, and they know it - but they do so why? Because they have that sort of agenda.

Y'all probably measure Maradonna by his "hand of God" comment than his soccer skill..................

[Valve Bounce]

No. But you can state your name if you want to, it will make no difference here. Its individuals like yourself and others that measure othrrs not by their accomplsihments but by controversy and detraction.

I started this thread and I set the tone.

Anyone wanting to attack James Hunt can do so some place else, they are not welcome on this thread celebrating his life, and they know it - but they do so why? Because they have that sort of agenda.

Y'all probably measure Maradonna by his "hand of God" comment than his soccer skill..................

I ask again: what makes you think you can dictate to us what or how we can post in our forum? I couldn't care less if you started this thread. You can start any thread you like, but forum members here are entitled to post what they wish within the realms of the rules.

I have no truck with James Hunt - I cheered for him at Brands. But I will support anyone's right here to post what they wish. If you don't like it, then go somewhere else.

[wedge]

I started this thread and I set the tone.

I suggest you start and moderate your own forum, a happy world where no one will ever disagree with you.


Y'all probably measure Maradonna by his "hand of God" comment than his soccer skill..................

Scored the greatest goal of all time but on the other hand he cheated. It's a tough one...

[Valve Bounce]

I suggest you start and moderate your own forum, a happy world where no one will ever disagree with you.



Scored the greatest goal of all time but on the other hand he cheated. It's a tough one...

...........or his penchant for shooting journos with a BB gun. :D