Legendary Manager Makes a Come Back!
Nine teams faced off at the “Green Hell”, the giant German Grand Prix Nurbergring course. The field included veterans, one rookie manager (Dave-Team Guthrie), and the surprise appearance of Adam managing Team Surtees.
Stewart placed Elf Tyrell in the pole position for the first time this season. John Player Lotus’ Fittipaldi shared the front row with Stewart. Reutemann and Peterson, the season championship points leader, occupied the second row.
Stewart blasted off the line and was initially challenged by Fittapaldi, but Peterson charged by Fittapaldi. Hulme in the McLaren and Galli in the Martini began working their way through the pack.
Peterson pushed his red #8 March past Stewart and was first past the checkpoint 1, but then his engine began to smoke and he slowly rolled off the course. Surtees pressured Reutemann who struggled in the Brabham.
Galli made a brilliant move in the Karnssell to slip by Fittapaldi and then was first across the second checkpoint just ahead of Stewart. Unable to keep pace with Galli’s faster Martini, Stewart conceded the position. Steve’s Martini team lead a race for the first time this season.
Hulme and Reutemann passed Fittapaldi. Then Hulme pressed Stewart. Fittapaldi tried, but failed to recapture his position from Reutemann. Galli crossed the finish line just ahead of Stewart and Hulme securing Martini’s first victory! Reutemann finished ahead of Fittipaldi while Surtees, Beuttler, and Ganely flew down the front straight side-by-side.
Congratulations Steve! Great track and fantastic race.
Race details follow:
1st Steve (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/4 S*
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/140/4 S
3rd Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/40/40/140/4 S
4th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/20/160/4 S
5th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/40/40/160/4 S
6th Adam (J. Surtees) 60/20/40/140/5 S
7th Dave (M. Buettler) 60/20/60/140/4 S
8th Ray R. (H. Ganley) 40/40/20/140/6 S
DNF Travis (R. Peterson) 60/40/20/160/4 S*
Next race at Monza!