Jump to content


Photo

Eliseo Salazar


  • Please log in to reply
115 replies to this topic

#1 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 27 May 2004 - 01:59

Having read varying different references to Eliseo (posted on diverse, and archived threads) over the last few days, I thought I'd chuck in my two-penneth as there are facts which need to be brought to light. For example; did you know that...

He had a contract with Team Lotus for two consecutive seasons, but never got the drive because the proviso was that either de Angelis or Mansell had to leave the team?

At Le Mans in 1990, where Walkinshaw coldly dropped him from the car that a) he'd qualified, and b) won the race, he was still recovering from an operation on his lung to fix a hole? Walkinshaw didn't know that, obviously...

After the incident with Piquet at Hockenheim, the Chilean press slaughtered him? Why? Because he didn't hit Piquet back! Seriously...

He has been in the media spotlight (for that, read pressure Beckham-style) throughout his entire career? I initiated negociations on his behalf with Toleman for 1983, which resulted in Alex Hawkridge flying out with him to explore the possibilities. Alex said that when they landed in Santiago, he'd never seen anything like it in his life! There were at least 250 press at the airport to greet them, from where they were then transfered to a meeting with the Prime Minister (or President, as I think he might have been)!

His second wife (Raquel Argandona de la Fuente) was even better known that him in South America? That was a liaision which really set the media into a complete frenzy. I know; I had to answer the phone calls...

When he crashed at Dover Downs (a stupid place to host an IRL race if ever there was one...) he broke almost every bone in the right-hand side of his body?

I could go on, but I won't. The bottom line is, biased as I may be, he was a lot more talented an F1 driver than most folk (not all, mind) ever gave him credit, and a man totally dedicated to racing.

Simply because he just loved it.

Advertisement

#2 Buford

Buford
  • Member

  • 11,174 posts
  • Joined: March 01

Posted 27 May 2004 - 03:10

When he crashed at Dover Downs (a stupid place to host an IRL race if ever there was one...) he broke almost every bone in the right-hand side of his body?

Either in that one or another one a suspension rod went right through his leg and came out the other side.

#3 MoMurray

MoMurray
  • Member

  • 738 posts
  • Joined: September 00

Posted 27 May 2004 - 04:07

Wasn't he known as "Greasy Ole' Salad Bar" when he drove in F1...not exactly flattering.

#4 Mark Bennett

Mark Bennett
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: September 03

Posted 27 May 2004 - 10:26

I'm sure the name wasn't intended to be nasty.

Just a play on the sound - like that famous old Italian/Irish driver "Bruno Jack O'Mally" (which WAS painted on the side of the Mclaren at one point!

#5 BRG

BRG
  • Member

  • 26,903 posts
  • Joined: September 99

Posted 27 May 2004 - 11:39

I always notice Eliseo wherever he pops up. I recall that he was the first F3 driver to take Stowe corner flat-out. OK, he had the new Ralt RT3 which brought ground-effect technology to F3 but for some reason, that fact that has always stuck in my mind.

That and the "Handbags at the Ostkurve" incident with Piquet.

#6 Henri Greuter

Henri Greuter
  • Member

  • 13,342 posts
  • Joined: June 02

Posted 27 May 2004 - 11:55

Eliseo at his best again:


Indianapolis 1996.

a: He eliminated Arie Luyendijk from the race in a manner that was even an embarassment for a rookie to make. (Driving just out of the pitlane on the merge strip and running into Luyendijk while he was supposed to blend in line behind him!)

b: Shortly for a restart getting the order to make it tough on Davy Jones to pass him. I don't recall who of the other 6 Scandia drivers was supposed to benefit from this. Anyway, Eliseo made a move that would have made Schumacher and Senna proud in rudeness and Davey's tires actually brushed the inside wall at the pitlane. It remains a questing how much influence this incident hat on Davey and his car that Lazier could make his move.
That move was so brutal and dangerous, it could have caused a starting accident like in 1966. Eliseo should have been blackflagged from the event or penalized for it somehow but that didn't happen. He was one of only a few drivers with anything of a decent racing pedigree that year (First IRL 500) in a field with 19 rookies. Compared with the USA 500, held later that day the quality of the field at Indy was laughable and even questioned in the press. The story goes that USAC officials didn't dare to penalize Salazar for his behaviour because thaat would have caused bad press and approval of the fact that this was the starting field with the lowest quality ever in Indy 500 history. All kind of bad publicity which George & Co definitely didn't need right now, it was bad enough as it was already.


Having said all this:

Walkinshaw did a more than lousy job on Eliseo at Le Mans '90 which whas totally undeserved for and which in my book taints Martin Brundle's so called Le mans victory. To me, Martin remains one of few drivers who needed two cars to win one race. A very tainted victory.
But OK, he was British in a British car for a British team owner.
And Eliseo wasn't British at a time he needed to be that....


Henri Greuter

#7 Mallory Dan

Mallory Dan
  • Member

  • 3,128 posts
  • Joined: September 03

Posted 27 May 2004 - 12:29

I agree that Eliseo was a pretty OK driver, without being a superstar. He looked good in the RT3, in a very good year of F3 over here, and that before it was properly developed. We'll miss the 80 Aurora season since competition was pretty scarce that year ( though again he looked fairly reasonable), but he was usually faster than Daly in the awful March in 1981, then went very well in the old Ensign later that year, getting it into the points IIRC, which was no mean feat. Again in 82 in the ATS, I didn't think he did too badly, and as for the Piquet incident, surely that was more Piquet's fault than Eliseo's ??

#8 gerrit stevens

gerrit stevens
  • Member

  • 248 posts
  • Joined: December 03

Posted 27 May 2004 - 13:03

Originally posted by Henri Greuter
Eliseo at his best again:


Indianapolis 1996.

a: He eliminated Arie Luyendijk from the race in a manner that was even an embarassment for a rookie to make. (Driving just out of the pitlane on the merge strip and running into Luyendijk while he was supposed to blend in line behind him!)

b: Shortly for a restart getting the order to make it tough on Davy Jones to pass him. I don't recall who of the other 6 Scandia drivers was supposed to benefit from this. Anyway, Eliseo made a move that would have made Schumacher and Senna proud in rudeness and Davey's tires actually brushed the inside wall at the pitlane. It remains a questing how much influence this incident hat on Davey and his car that Lazier could make his move.
That move was so brutal and dangerous, it could have caused a starting accident like in 1966. Eliseo should have been blackflagged from the event or penalized for it somehow but that didn't happen. He was one of only a few drivers with anything of a decent racing pedigree that year (First IRL 500) in a field with 19 rookies. Compared with the USA 500, held later that day the quality of the field at Indy was laughable and even questioned in the press. The story goes that USAC officials didn't dare to penalize Salazar for his behaviour because thaat would have caused bad press and approval of the fact that this was the starting field with the lowest quality ever in Indy 500 history. All kind of bad publicity which George & Co definitely didn't need right now, it was bad enough as it was already.



Henri Greuter



The Luyendijk accident alone should have been a reason for blackflagging.

BTW Salazar finished 6th in the 1996 race after a last lap accident with Alessandro Zampedri and Roberto Guerrero. I dare say this accident would not have occurred when Salazar was taken out of competition. Talking about bad press.

BTW2: the quality of the 1996 field may have been laughable the massive crash at start of the US 500 did also cause a bad press.

BTW3: despite being the field with the lowest quality, this field was the fastest ever in qualifying.


Gerrit Stevens

#9 Henri Greuter

Henri Greuter
  • Member

  • 13,342 posts
  • Joined: June 02

Posted 27 May 2004 - 15:03

Originally posted by gerrit stevens



The Luyendijk accident alone should have been a reason for blackflagging.

BTW Salazar finished 6th in the 1996 race after a last lap accident with Alessandro Zampedri and Roberto Guerrero. I dare say this accident would not have occurred when Salazar was taken out of competition. Talking about bad press.

BTW2: the quality of the 1996 field may have been laughable the massive crash at start of the US 500 did also cause a bad press.

BTW3: despite being the field with the lowest quality, this field was the fastest ever in qualifying.


Gerrit Stevens



Hi Gerrit,

BTW1: I agree with all of that. I was indeed forgotten Salazar was part of that crash too.

BTW2: Yes, that was indeed very embarrassing.....

BTW3: Imagine how fast it would have been if the CART teams had been there and their '96 equipment (IRL only allowed pre '95 cars). Arie set his records with a '94 Reynard-Ford XB.
A '96 Reynard with a newer Ford XD or a Honda (!!!) may wll have gone up to 245 or thereabout.
And the track had been paved too that year, so that gained some mph's for the '95 and '94 machinery....
With quality of the field i wasn't so much referring to the cars, more to the drivers, that year there were a few drivers within the race that under normal conditions neve should have made the field to begin with.
But let's not drag this thread into yet another Pro/Con IRL battle OK?

greetings,


Henri Greuter

#10 ensign14

ensign14
  • Member

  • 63,959 posts
  • Joined: December 01

Posted 27 May 2004 - 15:22

The problem with the IRL split and the drivers that stayed is that people forget Salazar nearly won the 500 in 1995, only a late caution dropping him from 2nd to 4th.

Eliseo was the first person ever to score a WC point on Avon tyres and was given a trophy to commemorate that achievement (driving the number 14 Ensign so dear to my heart).

His dignified reaction to being dropped from the winning Jag au Mans got him the Autosport Sportsman of the Year trophy, that had been given to Al Jr the year before after Emmo took him out at Indy.

Alas, by the time he was in the IRL his driving smacked at times of desperation.

#11 ghinzani

ghinzani
  • Member

  • 2,027 posts
  • Joined: October 01

Posted 27 May 2004 - 16:12

Originally posted by Twin Window
Having read varying different references to Eliseo (posted on diverse, and archive boards) over the last few days, I thought I'd chuck in my two-penneth as there are facts which need to be brought to light. For example; did you know that...

He had a contract with Team Lotus for two consecutive seasons, but never got the drive because the proviso was that either de Angelis or Mansell had to leave the team?

At Le Mans in 1990, where Walkinshaw coldly dropped him from the car that a) he qualified and b) won the race, he was still recovering from an operation on his lung to fix a hole? Obviously, Walkinshaw didn't know...

After the incident with Piquet at Hockenheim, the Chilean press slaughtered him. Why? Because he didn't hit Piquet back! Seriously...

He has been in the media spotlight (for that, read pressure Beckham-style) throughout his entire career? I initiated negociations on his behalf with Toleman for 1983 which resulted in Alex Hawkridge flying out with him to explore sponsorship possibilities. Alex said that when they landed in Santiago, he'd never seen anything like it in his life! There were 250 press at the airport to greet them, from where they then got transfered to a meeting with the Prime Minister (or President, I think he was)!

His second wife (Raquel Argandona de la Fuente) (spl?) was even better known that him in South America? That was a liaision which really set the media into a complete frenzy...

When he crashed at Dover Downs (a stupid place to host an IRL race if ever there was one...) he broke almost every bone in the right-habd side of his body?

I could go on, but I won't. The bottom line is, biased as I may be, he was a lot more talented an F1 driver than most folk (not all, mind) ever gave him credit, and a man totally dedicated to racing - simply because he just loved it.

TW


When did he sign the Lotus contract and what two seasons did it cover please? Also why didnt he work out a deal with Toleman, did Bruno have more Lira? Thanks

#12 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 27 May 2004 - 16:29

Originally posted by ghinzani


When did he sign the Lotus contract and what two seasons did it cover please? Also why didnt he work out a deal with Toleman, did Bruno have more Lira? Thanks


1982 & 3 I think is correct, although they could have each been a year earlier. I shared a flat with him during '82 and they were framed on the wall! The proposed Toleman deal was a complicated one which involved the Chilean government, their Navy and Cougar Marine which was/is part of the Toleman Group. I forget exactly why it fell through, but it was the Chileans who either didn't, or I think more likely couldn't follow through...

TW

#13 ghinzani

ghinzani
  • Member

  • 2,027 posts
  • Joined: October 01

Posted 27 May 2004 - 16:46

Originally posted by Twin Window


1982 & 3 I think is correct, although they could have each been a year earlier. I shared a flat with him during '82 and they were framed on the wall! The proposed Toleman deal was a complicated one which involved the Chilean government, their Navy and Cougar Marine which was/is part of the Toleman Group. I forget exactly why it fell through, but it was the Chileans who either didn't, or I think more likely couldn't follow through...

TW


Sorta makes sense - didnt we sell a few warships to the Chileans just after the war in the Malvinas/Falklands (or Maggies re-election stunt as I prefer to think of it)...

Your right he did show up pretty well against Winkelhock in what was ostensibly a German team (apart from Manfred qualifying 4th in Detroit IIRC) in 82. Probably the contract was for 82/83 as 81 had been his first season and he looked good. Was'nt his ciggie sponsor Viceroy (?) part of the same group as JPS? or all part of BAT at least..

#14 Gerr

Gerr
  • Member

  • 697 posts
  • Joined: April 00

Posted 27 May 2004 - 16:51

Henri,
The 1996-spec CART chassis rules reduced downforce by 40% from the 1995 spec. It is not likely that the 1996 cars would have had any increase in lap speed at IMS, even with an XD or a Honda.

#15 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 27 May 2004 - 16:58

Originally posted by ghinzani

Was'nt his ciggie sponsor Viceroy (?) part of the same group as JPS? or all part of BAT at least..


He had Viceroy money for Aurora with RAM in '80, then had a personal Marlboro deal for '81 before getting Viceroy backing again for '82. You may well be right about there being a ciggie link, I can't remember, but he wouldn't have taken money to Lotus per se had he gone there.

Incidentally, Gustav Brunner used to rate him as one of the best drivers he'd worked with...

TW

#16 ghinzani

ghinzani
  • Member

  • 2,027 posts
  • Joined: October 01

Posted 27 May 2004 - 17:11

Its strange he didnt pick up a good ride for 83, but I guess with Boesel in at Ligier, two south americans in at Theodore, Serra in the Arrows and Fabi/Peter-Charles incumbent at Osella most of the grid-fillers were pretty south american'ed out or had no vacancies. Also surprising he didnt go to CART earlier, having said that rides were'nt ten a penny there either - didnt Boesel live on Dick Simons couch thru the latter part of 84/early 85 waiting to get a ride. Having said that he would have found it hard up against Warwick at Toleman whatever his level of talent seeing as it was Del boys team by then. Did I once read a rumour about Henton and him buying the Thoedores and equipping them with Harts for 84?

#17 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 27 May 2004 - 21:22

Ghinzani

I started the ball rolling with Toleman in Dijon, and it was looking good for quite a while - into well past the end of the season. That might have cost him dear, as by the time it fell through there was, as you rightly say, little else left. ATS were focusing on Manfred and the BMW turbo (Schmidt was a nightmare anyway), Ligier had Raul's Cafe do Brasil money, etc, etc.

He was talking to Theodore at one point, but Cecotto had more budget... As history shows, he didn't have the money for the season and RAM took him, but after Spa that was it - with KA the unfortunate incumbent. Still, he took a tiny bit of satisfaction by out-(non)qualifying Schlesser for the French GP that year. Jean-Louis had been testing for Williams (in the US, I think) shortly beforehand and had been quicker than Rosberg, which Eliseo duly calculated made him a faster driver than the then World Champion!

It's hugely ironic that it wasn't until the RAM 01 was being restored in the '90s that a basic flaw was found in the chassis which, once fixed, made it a whole different proposition... BTW Eliseo spent a while staying with Simon when he first drove for him too! And 'Peter-Charles' was team mate in '84 to another of my best mates, Jo Gartner.

TW

#18 JohnH

JohnH
  • Member

  • 174 posts
  • Joined: March 03

Posted 27 May 2004 - 22:15

Originally posted by Buford
When he crashed at Dover Downs (a stupid place to host an IRL race if ever there was one...) he broke almost every bone in the right-habd side of his body?

Either in that one or another one a suspension rod went right through his leg and came out the other side.



The suspension rod was at Orlando, the first IRL race in Jan, 1996. A lucky man, Salazar had several major injury accidents in the IRL and kept racing. Davy Jones said when he brushed the wall thanks to Salazar's blocking, it knocked the balance of the car off so it wasn't the same as it was earlier in the race.

John

#19 Pikachu Racing

Pikachu Racing
  • Member

  • 5,478 posts
  • Joined: December 00

Posted 27 May 2004 - 22:25

He ripped on Sarah Fisher during an interview for crashing too much. The following year at Homestead Fisher passed him for 3rd in much ire of AJ Foyt. Talk about karma.

He has more shears of wrecks. In 2002 a testing crash at Indy tore an artery in his chest. He was really a human wrecking machine.

Advertisement

#20 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 27 May 2004 - 22:33

Originally posted by Pikachu Racing


He has more shears of wrecks. In 2002 a testing crash at Indy tore an artery in his chest. He was really a human wrecking machine.


Yet he came back; every time. Few of us here, I imagine, could even dream of being able to dig that deep. Given the extent of some of his injuries, that alone deserves respect...

TW

#21 Henri Greuter

Henri Greuter
  • Member

  • 13,342 posts
  • Joined: June 02

Posted 28 May 2004 - 07:48

Originally posted by Gerr
Henri,
The 1996-spec CART chassis rules reduced downforce by 40% from the 1995 spec. It is not likely that the 1996 cars would have had any increase in lap speed at IMS, even with an XD or a Honda.


Gerr,

You may be right on that,
Sadly we will never know.


Henri Greuter

#22 John B

John B
  • Member

  • 8,029 posts
  • Joined: June 99

Posted 28 May 2004 - 13:56

Anecdote from the 1981 season:

At Zaandvoort, Alan Jones was running second in the Williams but on fading Goodyears which made the car almost undriveable. Salazar was lapped, running behind him but was apparently hesitant to pass jones because of decorum, a rookie passing the defending champ. I guess his team nearly had a collective heart attack because another car caught up and passed him for the vital championship point.....but someone else dropped out enabling him to get the 6th :D


BTW it was Zampedri who was in contention for the 1996 win who Salazar was trying to help. The comment "dover was a stupid place for IRL" is certainly right on....

#23 petefenelon

petefenelon
  • Member

  • 4,815 posts
  • Joined: August 02

Posted 28 May 2004 - 15:24

Originally posted by Pikachu Racing
He ripped on Sarah Fisher during an interview for crashing too much. The following year at Homestead Fisher passed him for 3rd in much ire of AJ Foyt. Talk about karma.

He has more shears of wrecks. In 2002 a testing crash at Indy tore an artery in his chest. He was really a human wrecking machine.



Yes, I thought his comments about Fisher were pretty low - the kind of thing I would've expected from Piquet really. Salazar I think went on a little too long in single-seaters and seemed to get very erratic towards the end of his career.

OK, Fisher isn't the greatest female driver we've ever seen, (I reckon Danica Patrick could blow her into the weeds) but at that point in her career there was probably very little to choose between Fisher and Salazar.

I don't know what he thought he gained by badmouthing a young up-and-coming driver....

#24 petefenelon

petefenelon
  • Member

  • 4,815 posts
  • Joined: August 02

Posted 28 May 2004 - 15:27

Originally posted by Twin Window

It's hugely ironic that it wasn't until the RAM 01 was being restored in the '90s that a basic flaw was found in the chassis which, once fixed, made it a whole different proposition... BTW Eliseo spent a while staying with Simon when he first drove for him too! And 'Peter-Charles' was team mate in '84 to another of my best mates, Jo Gartner.

TW


Is that the car that Bob Berridge achieved a phenomenal streak of results with? - Explains a lot! -- I often wondered why a car that was a bit of a turd in its mainstream career suddenly came good! -- Bob is a good journeyman driver, IMHO, but he was never someone known for the subtlety of his style when he was in Porsches or Vauxhalls!
Of course, his RAM was about the most modern car in TGP....

#25 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 01 June 2004 - 22:28

Originally posted by petefenelon


Is that the car that Bob Berridge achieved a phenomenal streak of results with? - Explains a lot! -- I often wondered why a car that was a bit of a turd in its mainstream career suddenly came good!
Of course, his RAM was about the most modern car in TGP....


Another thing, Pete, is that in 1983 the team had no money. This led to all the normal corner-cutting, including engines. I remember Kenny telling me towards the end of that season that his engine from Zandvoort had produced around 385bhp on the dyno... :rolleyes:

Things were no better when he was recalled to replace Manfred in 1985; by mid-season all the Skoal Bandit money was spent and they were reduced to using suspension parts, for example, that had failed quality control at the start of the year! :eek:

A great shame, I always felt, that John Mac and co. were perennially underfunded, as RAM were a great little outfit with a super level of turn-out and a bunch of real racers.

TW

Did you see the pics of the 37s etc I posted?!

#26 dolomite

dolomite
  • Member

  • 1,194 posts
  • Joined: March 01

Posted 02 June 2004 - 00:17

TW, what exactly was the flaw that was found with the RAM 01 chassis?

#27 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 02 June 2004 - 00:28

Hi Dolomite

Well, I'm sure that it was something really quite basic, regarding the fundimental rigidity of the monocoque. Sorry to be so vague, but my recall is way better (generally!) of stuff from 20+ years ago; and this was something from maybe less than 10...!

I seem to remember that F1 Racing magazine did a feature on the chassis and it's restoration, which is probably where I learned about the discovery.

Perhaps someone else can help me out?

TW

#28 ghinzani

ghinzani
  • Member

  • 2,027 posts
  • Joined: October 01

Posted 02 June 2004 - 02:53

Originally posted by Twin Window
Hi Dolomite

Well, I'm sure that it was something really quite basic, regarding the fundimental rigidity of the monocoque. Sorry to be so vague, but my recall is way better (generally!) of stuff from 20+ years ago; and this was something from maybe less than 10...!

I seem to remember that F1 Racing magazine did a feature on the chassis and it's restoration, which is probably where I learned about the discovery.

Perhaps someone else can help me out?

TW


There was something in Motoring Nudes many years back when Berridge was having success with it. Im sure they hung the monocoque on a wall and found out a bulkhead wasnt right or had de-laminated or something . Anyway they fixed it and she flew. Not wishing cast any aspersions but when Bob was in Porsche Supercup he cheated like crazy. Fred Matthews was always throwing him out!

#29 Macca

Macca
  • Member

  • 3,742 posts
  • Joined: January 03

Posted 02 June 2004 - 14:06

I was extremely unimpressed by Berridge taking-out a championship contender at the last round of the 2003 British GT's at Brands, under yellow flags and from about 100 yards back. What was that all about?


PWM

#30 Twin Window

Twin Window
  • Nostalgia Host

  • 6,611 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 05 December 2004 - 21:51

This was in Dijon, during the 1982 Swiss GP meeting. And that's the only reason I know for sure that Eliseo wasn't describing Linda Vaughn's attributes.

Because that would have been in Vegas, in October...

Posted Image

Buggered if I can remember why, but it does look like I'm being given a hard time!

#31 WGD706

WGD706
  • Member

  • 956 posts
  • Joined: August 02

Posted 06 December 2004 - 00:44

There's a pretty good interview with Eliseo in Hispania News (from '99, I believe)..
Eliseo Salazar returns to the cockpit
When Larry and I were first told who our driver would be for the year, we were frankly amazed. Eliseo Salazar would return to the cockpit. After the suspension failed in his car at Dover last June, we had all heard that he had said no more. He was done driving. So at Atlanta Motor Speedway on a bright but crisp day in March, I finally had to ask; What did it take for you to return to driving? With a groan and a slight smile and a nod he said lot of pain! A whole lot of pain!" Then Why? "At first, I did think no. The pain was overwhelming. I can now really understand when people say they can't live with the pain and would prefer to die. When I have crashed before it was just my leg or just my back. But, this was different. It was my shoulder, my arm, my ribs, my hip, my leg......my entire right side. In the hospital they'd had to move me to do everything. I could do nothing for myself. And unlike before where I had to immediately get back in shape for Indy, this was not the case." So, you went home to Chile, then what? "It was the letters, thousands and thousands of letters and e-mails to my website. I am not exaggerating and I don't say this for the press. The people of Chile were so unbelievably supportive. They write that I can overcome this; that I can get back and win again; that I have been an inspiration for their children. They tell me that when their kids didn't want to study they tell them my story as an example and it motivates them. Some of these letters really brought me to tears. They were very powerful. Then I began to heal and see some of the races on television and I think maybe. Had my two prior incidents been my fault, I would question myself. But they were not, they were parts failures. I believe too, that Indy car racing requires a lot of experience and it would have been a waste to throw away the last several years...to throw away a chance to win the Indy 500."

Eliseo came to visit friends in The Pep Boys Indy Racing League at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway race, where one year before he won! Still on crutches, still hurting, the idea of running again continued to grow. Late in December he reached an agreement with Bob Nienhouse to run the full 1999 season. Phil Nienhouse would be General Manager and Larry Nash would be the new team manager. His long time sponsors of Cristal and Copec were still with him, but was he ready?

In preparation for Orlando, Larry and the crew had received the equipment late, which prohibited Eliseo from garnering any seat time prior to the event weekend. A track that had not been very forgiving to Eliseo in the past, was now to welcome him back.

Although practice laps had revealed times quick enough to race, the qualifying effort would find Eliseo and the team 200th of a second shy of making the show. Tell me about Orlando?

"We were all certainly disappointed in just missing the race. But the people of Chile are people of great faith and I believe, too, that there is a reason for everything. Physically it still really hurt getting in and out of the car. I would say I was only 75%. So maybe it was for the best in that this time I walked out of Orlando. I have been flown out before." What did the headlines say back home? "I have come back from worst. We will get through this, too!" The day's session at Atlanta in early March with Firestone was a great one. Firestone doesn't release test speeds, but the bounce in the steps of the now almost fully recovered Eliseo and the energy of the crew says a lot. As a new owner/team manager/driver combination, it will take time to create maximum speed. But progress as been steady and Eliseo says that he hopes to peak in time for Indy. would you do it all over again? "Without question. Before my accident, I would run to the hospital on a hurt finger. I never would have guessed that I would have had the strength to have come through this ordeal. Knowing that i have that strength in priceless. I think that strength has not only made me a better person, but will also make me a better driver." Eliseo Salazar will complete the longest caution period of his driving career when he takes the green flag driving the #6 Nienhouse Motorsports Racing Special in the MCI Worldcom 200, march 28th at Phoenix International Raceway. Eliseo Salazar, champion driver and champion spirit.
http://www.hispanian...August20/04.htm


I see references to him being born in '54 and '55...not that it matters, but which is correct?
Warren

#32 ghinzani

ghinzani
  • Member

  • 2,027 posts
  • Joined: October 01

Posted 06 December 2004 - 07:58

Originally posted by Twin Window

Buggered if I can remember why, but it does look like I'm being given a hard time!


'tache and/or mullet I'd guess at! ;)

#33 Repco von Brabham

Repco von Brabham
  • Member

  • 694 posts
  • Joined: December 03

Posted 07 December 2004 - 02:12

Some old pics of my friend Eliseo Salazar:

We have a terrific figth along 1977 and 1978 in the Argentinian F-4.
My car is the N° 19..

Posted Image

In 1984, we figth again in the marvelous F-2 CODASUR

Eliseo in the Grand Prix de Mar Del Plata 1984.
The car is a Berta-Dodge Mk3 (wing car).
Posted Image


Posted Image

En carrera
Posted Image

Chilean Grand Prix F-2 CODASUR., Eliseo and Miguel Angel Guerra
Posted Image

#34 Repco von Brabham

Repco von Brabham
  • Member

  • 694 posts
  • Joined: December 03

Posted 07 December 2004 - 02:58

The last race Eliseo run was the "200 Km de Buenos Aires" sunday 31 October 2004, in the Turismo Competición TC 2000 (Argentinian DTM) in this Renault Megane 315 HP, owned by Team Belloso Competición.

Look the name "Salazar" in the windshield
Posted Image

Posted Image

Posted Image

Look the Links:

www.tc2000.com.ar

http://www.julioinfa...2000t/podio.htm

salute

#35 Project Indy

Project Indy
  • Member

  • 45 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 10 December 2004 - 01:54

Hello, I'am visit the Nostagia Forum for a invitation of my friend Repco Von Brabham.

The carrer's of Eliseo Salazar, 50 years old (Nov-14-1954) is:

1977 Formula 4 Argentina / Avante / Avante-Renault
1978 Formula 4 Argentina / Avante / Avante-Renault
1979 Formula 3 Inglesa / Ralt Cars / Ralt-Toyota
1980 Formula 1 Aurora / RAM Motorsport / Williams-Ford Cosworth
1981 Formula 1 / March Engenering / March-Ford Cosworth
1981 Formula 1 / Ensing / Ensing-Ford Cosworth
1982 Formula 1 / ATS / ATS - Ford Cosworth
1982 Mundial de Endurance / Dome Cars / Dome-Ford Cosworth
1983 Formula 1 / RAM Motorsport/ RAM - Ford Cosworth
1983 Mundial de Endurance / Dome Cars / Dome-Ford Cosworth
1984 Formula 2 Codasur / Salazar / Berta-Volkswagen
1984 Campeonato Chileno de Rally / Toyota
1985 Formula 2 Codasur / INI Competicion / Berta-Volkswagen
1985 Campeonato Chileno de Rally / Toyota
1986 Campeonato Chileno de Rally / Toyota
1986 Formula 3000 / RAM Motorsport / RAM-Ford Cosworth
1986 Formula 3000 / Lola Motorsport / Lola-Ford Cosworth
1987 Formula 3000 / Bromley Motorsport / Ralt-Ford Cosworth
1987 Formula 3000 / Cobra Motorsport / March-Ford Cosworth
1987 Formula 3000 / Genoa Racing / March-Ford Cosworth
1988 Sport Prototipos C-2 / Spice / Spice-Ford Cosworth
1989 Sport Prototipos / Spice / Spice-Ford Cosworth
1989 Sport Prototipos / Jaguar Silk Cut / Jaguar
1990 Sport Prototipos / Spice / Spice-Ford Cosworth
1990 Sport Prototipos / Jaguar Silk Cut / Jaguar
1994 IMSA WSC / Momo / Ferrari 333 SP
1995 IMSA WSC / Momo / Ferrari 333 SP
1995 Indycar / Dick Simon Racing / Lola-Ford Cosworth
1996 Indy Racing League / Scandia / Lola-Ford Cosworth
1996 CART / Scandia / Lola-Ford Cosworth
1997 Indy Racing League / Scandia / Dallara-Oldsmobile
1997 IMSA WSC / Scandia / Ferrari 333 SP
1997 Sports Car (Le Mans) / Pacific Motorsport / BRM-Nissan
1997 Nascar Super Trucks / Chevrolet
1998 Professional Sport Car / Jim Matthews / Riley&Scott/Oldsmobile
1998 Indy Racing League / Riley&Scott / Riley&Scott-Oldsmobile
1999 Professional Sport Car / Support net / Riley&Scott-Ford
1999 Indy Racing League / Nienhouse Motorsport / G Force-Oldsmobile
2000 Indy Racing League / A.J.Foyt Enterprises / G Force-Oldsmobile
2001 Indy Racing League / A.J.Foyt Enterprises / Dallara-Oldsmobile
2002 Indy Racing League / A.J.Foyt Enterprises / Dallara-Chevrolet
2003 American Le Mans Series / The Racer Group / Porsche 911
2003 American Le Mans Series / JMB Racing / Ferrari Modena
2004 Campeonato Rally Mobil, Chile / Team Hyundai/ Hyundai Coupe

Eliseo in 2004 Chilean Rally Mobil on board Hyundai Coupé
Posted Image

Visit : www.entelchile.net/eliseo

#36 ian senior

ian senior
  • Member

  • 2,166 posts
  • Joined: September 02

Posted 10 December 2004 - 13:13

Originally posted by ghinzani


'tache and/or mullet I'd guess at! ;)


Cheeky sod . We all had mullets in those days.

#37 Darren Galpin

Darren Galpin
  • Member

  • 2,330 posts
  • Joined: April 00

Posted 10 December 2004 - 13:33

Nah - not true. I hadn't been alive long enough to have grown that much hair by then!

#38 LittleChris

LittleChris
  • Member

  • 3,929 posts
  • Joined: April 01

Posted 11 December 2004 - 01:30

Originally posted by ian senior


Cheeky sod . We all had mullets in those days.


Waddle/ Hoddle/ Senior / Diamond Lights - NOOOOOO !!!!

#39 Repco von Brabham

Repco von Brabham
  • Member

  • 694 posts
  • Joined: December 03

Posted 12 December 2004 - 19:49

The RT3's first race at Donington, Eliseo Salazar driving.

Posted Image

Advertisement

#40 Project Indy

Project Indy
  • Member

  • 45 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 13 December 2004 - 00:20

Some images of Eliseo salazar:

1980, Eliseo in Williams FW07 Formula Aurora AFX
Posted Image

1981, Eliseo in March 811
Posted Image

1982, Eliseo in ATS D5
Posted Image

1982, Eliseo in Dome RC82-Ford in Le Mans
Posted Image

1983, Eliseo in RAM 01
Posted Image

From my personal archive.

#41 d.emerson

d.emerson
  • Member

  • 86 posts
  • Joined: September 04

Posted 13 December 2004 - 14:26

Posted Image

#42 eldougo

eldougo
  • Member

  • 9,527 posts
  • Joined: March 02

Posted 14 December 2004 - 05:03

:wave:
From my personal pics,here he is on the grid at Zeltweg, Austria 1979 .

Posted Image
Posted Image

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Edited by eldougo, 08 January 2011 - 23:16.


#43 eldougo

eldougo
  • Member

  • 9,527 posts
  • Joined: March 02

Posted 14 December 2004 - 22:47

:)
Here is the new RT-3 Ralt ,first outing at Donnington on a wet day in early 1979.

Posted Image

#44 Mallory Dan

Mallory Dan
  • Member

  • 3,128 posts
  • Joined: September 03

Posted 15 December 2004 - 12:46

Doug, great stuff on the first RT3, given what followed, this is a historic chassis I'd have thought. Wonder where it is now ? Any more pics of this F3 season, '79 was one of the best of that time I reckon.

#45 Project Indy

Project Indy
  • Member

  • 45 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 15 December 2004 - 16:04

:clap: :clap: :clap: Greatest photos eldougo :clap: :clap: :clap:

#46 FLB

FLB
  • Member

  • 33,363 posts
  • Joined: February 01

Posted 15 December 2004 - 17:13

Originally posted by John B
Anecdote from the 1981 season:

At Zaandvoort, Alan Jones was running second in the Williams but on fading Goodyears which made the car almost undriveable. Salazar was lapped, running behind him but was apparently hesitant to pass jones because of decorum, a rookie passing the defending champ. I guess his team nearly had a collective heart attack because another car caught up and passed him for the vital championship point.....but someone else dropped out enabling him to get the 6th :D


The driver who'd passed him was Michele Alboreto. Jones was having BIG tyre issues in that race because Goodyear had missed a couple of races earlier in the year (they were back from Dijon on). Carlos Reutemann says that Williams going back to Goodyear is the main reason why Piquet won the championship.

The 1981 Autocourse is *very* complimentary on Salazar. It caught me completely by surprise. They viewed him as a 'pay driver who showed he's a genuine Grand-Prix-level driver'. Basically, they rated him a lot higher than guys like Keke Rosberg (who had a dreadful 1981 season) and Derek Daly, who was his teammate with March. Autocourse also says that once he'd left March and went to ATS, Salazar really came to grips with F1 and showed great potential.

#47 eldougo

eldougo
  • Member

  • 9,527 posts
  • Joined: March 02

Posted 15 December 2004 - 22:05

:wave:

Dan & Indy . Sadly i dont have many photo's of F3 in 1979 .I helped out a few friends early that year then it was back to driving the Rebaque motor home around Europe, :rolleyes: It was a hard life just filling in time between GP ,but some one had to do it.;)
I loved the years i spent in F3 the where the best fun nearly as good as F2 . This is where you meet the up and comming drivers and get to grow with them and see them move up or down or just go back to the real world. :



Edited by eldougo, 08 January 2011 - 23:19.


#48 eldougo

eldougo
  • Member

  • 9,527 posts
  • Joined: March 02

Posted 15 December 2004 - 23:39

:D
Like i said before it was a hard job driving around europe. :yawn:
Rest stop. Lotus, Arrows, Elf back row Fittapildi & Rebaque front row.
[Posted Image

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Found some more F3 Monaco79.
Posted Image.past Rosie,s bar

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Tail enders ....... Great place to get a shot FOCA pass a must!
Posted Image

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Edited by eldougo, 08 January 2011 - 23:29.


#49 Project Indy

Project Indy
  • Member

  • 45 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 18 December 2004 - 20:23

Other photos from my personal archive of Eliseo Salazar


1983 in Jacarepagua, Brazil on board of Ram 01-Ford Cosworth.

Posted Image

#50 Project Indy

Project Indy
  • Member

  • 45 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 18 December 2004 - 20:41

Eliseo Salazar in 1985, Autódromo Oscar A. Gálvez, Buenos Aires, Argentina on board of Berta Volkswagen INI Competición of Mario Biaggini Team in Formula 2 CODASUR

Posted Image