Firsts and Lasts in Motorsports

[Stan Reid]

The first AWD single rear engined racing car to start in a major event:

The Gulf Miller 6 cylinder driven by George Bailey in the 1939 Indianapolis 500

}corrections welcome{

[Stan Reid]

It looks like the first AWD racing car entered in a WC/F1 event was a Gulf-Miller entered in the 1950 Indianapolis 500. The car was run in practice by driver Al Miller but did not qualify.

}corrections welcome{

[Stan Reid]

First Layover engine roadster to race in the Indianapolis 500: The Cummins Diesel Special driven by Fred Agabashian in 1952

Last layover engine roadster to race in the Indianapolis 500: The Arizona Apache Airlines Special drive by Bill Cheesbourg in 1964

}corrections welcome{

[kerry3200]

I think that, Jimmy Jackson's car in 1950 had a roots supercharger and Freddie Agabashian's mount in 1952 was turbocharged-the first tubocharged racing car!

[Fortitude]

Last driver (hopefully) to be killed leading a World Championship race: Ayrton Senna-1994 San Marino Grand Prix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCZIMwtooR4

I hope so too. Gives me the 'chills' watching it. A very sombre book to read about it, is 'Fatal Weekend' by Tom Rubython.