From F1 to Indy: a crossover of diverse fortunes

Juan Manuel Fangio

During his final F1 season in 1958, the five-time world champion decided to try his hand on the oval. The 46 year-old legend had made it known for some time that he wanted to give it a go. And the United States was ready to spend the cash to make it happen. His maiden run on the Brickyard concluded in the wall after a spin and contact with another competitor. The Argentinean impressed in practice, passing the 142mph barrier. However, he withdrew due to the poor handling of his Novi but also an American sporting regulation he couldn’t get his head around. Fangio never returned to Indiana.