The man in the photograph is John Fitch, and the photograph was taken when he was 87 years old and about to attempt to set a new speed record at Bonneville in the vintage Mercedes-Benz "Gullwing" next to which he is standing.
Take that, youth-obsessed culture!
It is now several years later, and John Fitch is far from retired. In his 90s he is still pursuing things that interest him, one of which is highway and racing safety. His interest in the subject was galvanized by the immense tragedy at LeMans in 1955, where his teammate’s car became involved in a horrific crash that killed more than 80 people. Fitch has been an inventor and advocate for safety ever since.
But John Fitch is much more than that. A World War II pilot, a former POW, a championship-winning driver, a vehicle designer. Google him. He is a fascinating individual, and a true American hero.
Take that, youth-obsessed culture!
It is now several years later, and John Fitch is far from retired. In his 90s he is still pursuing things that interest him, one of which is highway and racing safety. His interest in the subject was galvanized by the immense tragedy at LeMans in 1955, where his teammate’s car became involved in a horrific crash that killed more than 80 people. Fitch has been an inventor and advocate for safety ever since.
But John Fitch is much more than that. A World War II pilot, a former POW, a championship-winning driver, a vehicle designer. Google him. He is a fascinating individual, and a true American hero.