There's an element of truth to all of that, although I too am offended by
the rather scurrilous writing and editing. A shameful reflection on the
need so many publications feel to sensationalize and undermine notables.
"Petrified and terrified" are a poor choice of words for Phil, and reflect
on the writer's poor vocabulary more than the facts. He may have
internalized the stress more than others, but his driving never showed it.
Phil was from working roots and was as brave as any, but perhaps more
sensitive than most. He was poorly treated by the meglomanical Enzo
Ferrari, and was never his favored driver, and had the skill and luck to
outlive other drivers. Including de Portago, von Trips, and others. He
suffered frequent slights, even after he had won LeMans several times, and
the GP championship. In discussions with Phil in the 90s, he told of
getting paid paltry amounts as a Ferrari driver, having to drive in
off-season races and buy and sell cars to make a living.

Cheers, Bob

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Stacey Hopkins 3gowaving@...
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 19:45:18 -0400
To: marlboro_raceway@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Marlboro_Raceway] You think you know a guy...


This is from the article "10 American Sports Heroes You Won't Find on a
Wheaties Box" by Eric Trex (p. 33) in the May-June issue of Mental_Floss. I
felt rather annoyed as I read on. Can anyone attest to the accuracy of this
entry?
7. Formula One Racing: Phil Hill

Formula One, the elite international driving circuit characterized by curvy
courses, is a sport dominated by Europeans. It's also a sport that rewards
aggressive driving. Both are reasons why Phil Hill, an American who's
petrified of racing, should not be one of the greatest Formula One drivers
of all time.

After a boyhood spent obsessing over cars, Hill began racing Jaguars in 1950
in Southern California's burgeoning road-racing scene. Successful as he was,
Hill remained terrified of racing's dangers. Worried that he was going to
kill himself on the track, Hill developed serious stomach ulcers that
prevented him from keeping down solid foods before a race. To keep his
energy up, he began a pre-race regimen that included feasting on jar after
jar of baby food.

In 1956, Hill made the jump to European racing as a member of the famed
Ferrari team. With a few key wins, including France's grueling 24 Hours of
Le Mans race, he established himself as a star. Then in 1961, Hill got
behind the wheel of the legendary "shark-nose" Ferrari 156 and became the
first American to win the coveted Formula One World Drivers' Championship.
The victory not only secured his place in racing history, it also assured
that Phil Hill could afford the finest baby food for the rest of his career.


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