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Amazing last-lap battles

Started by AvranaKern , Jun 15 2012 20:50

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41 replies to this topic

#1 AvranaKern

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 20:50

I've thought to start a new thread dedicated to thrilling last lap battles. I for one very much fond of those edgy moments in which race craft of pilots would become more visible than any other time. I rewatch them over and over again. So, here are what I find amazing and jaw-dropping ones:

2009 MotoGP Catalunya GP // Rossi-Lorenzo for the 1st position
http://www.gtack.com/p.php?p=pdw1wzof

2008 F1 Brazilian GP // Vettel-Hamilton-Glock for the 5th position

1979 F1 French GP // Villeneuve-Arnoux for the 2nd position

Kindly share your favorites as well, so that we'll have a nice archive!
Thanks

Edited by ali.unal, 15 June 2012 - 20:50.

#2 D-Type

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 21:43

Monaco GP 1934. After a race long battle between Nuvolari (Alfa Romeo) and Varzi(Bugatti) with some 17 lead changes, Nuvolari led by 4 seconds at the end of lap 90. To quote David Hodges's history of the Monaco GP:

... Varzi, however, was far from beaten and pulled up, level with Nuvolari as the 98th lap ended, momentarily ahead as the two started their 99th lap. On the climb to the Casino for the last time, Varzi held onto third, stretching his engine to the limit and risking all at over 7000 r.p.m., to take the lead. Nuvolari held him but briefly, for a piston failed as he over-revved and hot oil sprayed onto hot exhaust. So as Varzi alone for the first timein the race, took th flag, a yellow-shirted figure jumped from his car asit lost momentum down from the tunnel and started to push. Worried about a fire which did not exist, a mechanic helped and Nuvolari was thus disqualified.

So intended one of the mostintensely fought duels in the history of the sport.

Reims 1961 when Baghetti (Ferrari) just held off Dan Gurney (Porsche) to win by 0.1 sec

Le Mans 1966. Ford's attempt at a dead heat went wrong and unexpectedly gave victory to Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren form Ken Miles and Denny Hulme

Le Mans 1969. Jacky Ickx in the Gt40 just held off Hans Hermann in the Porsche 908 to win by 1.9 seconds for the closest finish at Le Mans

I believe the last 3 are on You-Tube, but I doubt if film exists of the Nuvolari/Varzi duel.

#3 Allan Lupton

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 21:54

I'd have thought the 1953 French GP should be included - Hawthorn v Fangio is normally remembered but Gonzalez was there or thereabouts and finished 0.4 sec behind Fangio

#4 plannerpower

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 21:55

Nurburgring 1957;

Although the "action" took place over several laps before the finish, this should comply with the "last lap" requirement because of Hawthorn's unsuccessful fightback on lap 22.

There are some nice little vignettes in these films; one of Andreina in the second one and, in the first one, a lovely flash of Jenks looking quite spell-bound.

As I remember it was Jenks who, in his description of the race, said that "He (Fangio) rounded on them (Hawthorn & Collins) like a baited bear"; wonderful language!

#5 Tim Murray

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 22:07

... but Gonzalez was there or thereabouts and finished 0.4 sec behind Fangio

... having made a pit stop for fuel.

I'd suggest the most amazing last lap was not a battle as such, but the World Championship changing hands twice in the last lap-and-a-bit of the 1964 Mexican GP.

#6 jj2728

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 22:19

Monza 1971 Italian GP.
Monza 1967 Italian GP.
The Indy 500 has given us on occasion some last lap thrillers.

#7 LittleChris

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 23:12

South Africa 78: I remember screaming Ronnie on whilst watching this live on ITV with commentary by Andy Marriott.

To be fair I believe Depailler was suffering fuel pick up problems ( as evidenced by his swerving from side to side from Crowthorne to the Esses ) though you wouldn't think it from the way he went through Jukskei and Sunset :up:

Both drivers long departed. RIP

Edited by LittleChris, 15 June 2012 - 23:16.

#8 Emery0323

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 02:29

Two good Senna-Mansell examples that come tp mind:

Monaco 1992 - Senna got the lead when Mansell was forced to pit for tires, Senna's car got very wide over the last several laps. The victory margin is listed as 0.215 seconds. During the last lap, Senna was weaving frantically to prevent Mansell from passing.

Spain 1986 - Similar scenario to above: Mansell was forced to pit and catch back up in the final ten laps. In the last lap, Mansell's final charge enabled him to pull alongside just as the two cars crossed the finish line. The margin listed as 0.014 seconds.

#9 Emery0323

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 02:32

The Indy 500 has given us on occasion some last lap thrillers.

Yes, 1982 and 1992 come to mind.

#10 Wirra

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 04:08

Two good Senna-Mansell examples that come tp mind:

Monaco 1992 - ...Spain 1986 ...

Monaco 1992
Spain 1986

Indy 1982
Indy 1992

Edited by Wirra, 16 June 2012 - 04:13.

#11 Vicuna

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 04:58

Great idea for a thread - not sure if Monaco 82 qualifies :confused:

#12 plutoman

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 06:31

Hayden v Edwards at the 2008 Dutch TT is a good recent example.

#13 Stefan Schmidt

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 07:22

South Africa 78: I remember screaming Ronnie on whilst watching this live on ITV with commentary by Andy Marriott.

To be fair I believe Depailler was suffering fuel pick up problems ( as evidenced by his swerving from side to side from Crowthorne to the Esses ) though you wouldn't think it from the way he went through Jukskei and Sunset

Both drivers long departed. RIP

#14 AvranaKern

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 08:04

Thank you very much :up:

#15 AvranaKern

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 08:25

Great idea for a thread - not sure if Monaco 82 qualifies

Perhaps not "battle"wise, but nonetheless what a finish!

#16 scheivlak

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 08:53

de Angelis/Rosberg 1982 Austrian GP

Massa/Kubica Fuji 2008

#17 Eric Dunsdon

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 09:27

Italian Grand Prix, Monza 1953. Fangio, Ascari and Farina and a lapped Marimon. The race was in doubt until the very last corner of the race. Fangio-Maserati the winner! :cool:

#18 LittleChris

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 11:04

Hayden v Edwards at the 2008 Dutch TT is a good recent example.

Apologies if wrong but I think you may be referring to the 2006 race ( I thought the Texan Tornado was finally going to win a GP and it all went wrong at the last possible moment)

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

#19 plutoman

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 12:42

Apologies if wrong but I think you may be referring to the 2006 race ( I thought the Texan Tornado was finally going to win a GP and it all went wrong at the last possible moment)

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

That's the one - don't know why I said '08, must be getting old.

#20 LittleChris

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 13:25

To be honest I can't believe it was 6 years ago !

#21 HiRich

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 13:27

Well if bikes are allowed, then the BSB finale at Brands Hatch last year - Tommy Hill, John Hopkins, winner takes all:

#22 ChiliFan

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 13:31

World Superbikes - Monza '96

#23 AvranaKern

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 14:16

Well if bikes are allowed, then the BSB finale at Brands Hatch last year - Tommy Hill, John Hopkins, winner takes all:

That was some race! Brilliant.

Edit: A big thumbs up for the commentators/presenters too. "Chicaaaane" lol :up:

Edited by ali.unal, 16 June 2012 - 14:18.

#24 Gary Davies

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 14:26

Apologies if this pic belongs to someone who will harrumph over its use; I've had it for a hundred years and I can't recall whence it came to my hard drive.

Whatever... it appeals to me because it was the first motor race I ever attended and the finish was close. Most here will recognise it. International Trophy 1962.

The bloke with five (or was it four?) exhaust pipes had been catching the young farmer for several laps and during the last lap he got closer and closer..... and closer.

Posted Image

#25 Doug Nye

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 18:22

The BRDC International Trophy Formula 1 races at the May meetings of both 1962 and 1964 saw fantastically close finishes in which the timekeepers could not separate first and second, it being decided by the Judges' eyes. Graham Hill was involved both times. Both times he finished second. (CORRECTION - No he didn't zilly a--- see below.) Last-gasp winners, on the line, were Jimmy Clark (COBBLERS! See below) and Jack Brabham, respectively. On a topical note, the last lap at Le Mans 1969 saw that pulsating battle between Jacky Ickx's Gulf-JW GT40 and Hans Herrmann's Porsche 908 Coupe.

DCN

Edited by Doug Nye, 16 June 2012 - 20:52.

#26 LittleChris

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 19:47

The BRDC International Trophy Formula 1 races at the May meetings of both 1962 and 1964 saw fantastically close finishes in which the timekeepers could not separate first and second, it being decided by the Judges' eyes. Graham Hill was involved both times. Both times he finished second. Last-gasp winners, on the line, were Jimmy Clark and Jack Brabham, respectively.

I thought Graham won in 1962 Doug ? Certainly he claims to have done so in Life At The Limit :confused:

#27 Collombin

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 19:51

The Indy 500 has given us on occasion some last lap thrillers.

Only in relatively recent times though - I think 2006 was the first time there was a last lap lead change in the history of the race!

#28 Tim Murray

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 20:40

I thought Graham won in 1962 Doug ? Certainly he claims to have done so in Life At The Limit

Hill's victory is confirmed also in BRM Vol 2 (and elsewhere).

#29 Doug Nye

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 20:49

I have spent too long today 25 feet up in the air hedge trimming. I'm obviously a better hedge trimmer than alleged historian. It's one helluva tall hedge. Tee-hee... sorry pardon. What's that about post in haste, regret at length... They were still great last laps...

:blush:

NCD

Edited by Doug Nye, 16 June 2012 - 20:53.

#30 berniedarwin

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 21:41

Couldn't help chirping in here , but no one so far seems to have mentioned the lesser formula's (numerically speaking that is , if not in stature ) F2 F3 F4 ?

I seem to remember some close finishes particularly in the late 60's and 70's though none come to mind right now other than the obvious Bev Bond at Oulton Empire trophy race . Same driver V Dave Walker ?

several f3 support races were "the" races of the day at full international meetings , not unusual to see 5 cars abreast at silverstone on the last dive into woodcote corner , while Oulton amongst others saw some very close results where you wouldnt predict the winner going into the last lap .

Edited by berniedarwin, 16 June 2012 - 21:42.

#31 kayemod

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 22:10

I have spent too long today 25 feet up in the air hedge trimming.

NCD

That's no excuse, and just what does your No Claims Discount have to do with this?

#32 Gary Davies

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Posted 17 June 2012 - 04:18

The 1953 Italian Grand Prix has to qualify. As this report said: "At the last corner Ascari and Farina were side by side. Ascari spun, Farina went on to the grass to avoid his team mate but Ascari was hit by Marimon who had nowhere to go. Fangio dived through the carnage to win the race. Farina recovered to take second and Villoresi found himself in third place." - the final corner of the final lap was ... busy.

#33 Wirra

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Posted 17 June 2012 - 04:50

The 1953 Italian Grand Prix has to qualify. As this report said: "At the last corner Ascari and Farina were side by side. Ascari spun, Farina went on to the grass to avoid his team mate but Ascari was hit by Marimon who had nowhere to go. Fangio dived through the carnage to win the race. Farina recovered to take second and Villoresi found himself in third place." - the final corner of the final lap was ... busy.

#34 Gary Davies

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Posted 17 June 2012 - 12:02

Marvellous. Grazie. I didn't imagine I'd ever see footage of that race.

As an aside, perhaps Sky should consider running similarly stirring music beneath the commentary of current Grands Prix. It might help.

#35 kayemod

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Posted 17 June 2012 - 13:04

...perhaps Sky should consider running similarly stirring music beneath the commentary of current Grands Prix. It might help.

It would certainly help me to stay awake during most of the broadcasts.

#36 Nanni Dietrich

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Posted 18 June 2012 - 08:46

South Africa 78: I remember screaming Ronnie on whilst watching this live on ITV with commentary by Andy Marriott.

To be fair I believe Depailler was suffering fuel pick up problems ( as evidenced by his swerving from side to side from Crowthorne to the Esses ) though you wouldn't think it from the way he went through Jukskei and Sunset

Both drivers long departed. RIP

And what a good point of view by Hector Rebaque...

My chose: Elio de Angelis vs. Keke Rosberg, Austrian GP, Zeltweg 1982.

#37 Nanni Dietrich

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Posted 18 June 2012 - 08:57

1953 Italian GP, Monza 13 September 1953.

On 23rd second of the video there is an image from the grandstands of the Italian Senator Giulio Andreotti, (do you know Paolo Sorrentino's movie "Il Divo"?) who at the time was Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Now, 59 years later he is still in the Italian Parliament, aged 93. :eek:

#38 nemtudom

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Posted 18 June 2012 - 12:37

I know we could pick many examples from oval racing, but I've always liked this one (CART, 2000 Michigan)

Edited by nemtudom, 18 June 2012 - 12:40.

#39 kevins

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Posted 18 June 2012 - 12:37

Maybe not as exciting as some, but for me Sheene/Roberts Silversone '79 is a classic.

Edited by kevins, 18 June 2012 - 12:38.

#40 Amphicar

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Posted 19 June 2012 - 19:13

The final lap of last year's Canadian Grand Prix had its moment:

#41 AvranaKern

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Posted 24 June 2012 - 09:34

I think today's Valencia GP2 second race should be here too. I'll post the video of last few laps. It was amazing!

#42 Jon Petersen

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Posted 24 June 2012 - 13:05

Yes, I am old enough to ~~think~~ know it was better before....but Brazil 2008 was still a cliffhanger of a race - not about the win, but about the championship.

Language warning:

http://www.youtube.c...eature=youtu.be

Jon

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