British Race Car Driver Sir Stirling Moss Passes Away At 90

Sir Stirling Moss started his racing career in 1948, and his first major victory came at the RAC Tourist Trophy on the Dundrod circuit in Northern Ireland in 1950. He drove a Jaguar XK120. At the peak of his career, the racing legend would compete in as many as 62 races a year, and he drove for 84 different carmakers over 14 years.

Sir Stirling Moss raced against some of the best drivers in his time, the most prominent one being five-time Formula One Champion Juan Manuel Fangio. Fangio was Moss's teammate and arch rival at Mercedes-Benz, and was also his friend and mentor. He also raced against Alberto Ascari and Mike Hawthorn, both drivers for Ferrari.

Stirling Moss was one of the most aggressive drivers in racing history and was known for his high-risk antiques. Here are some of his memorable races.

1955 Mille Miglia

One of his most famous wins was at Italy's thousand-mile 1955 Mille Miglia road race. The race has been described as the 'most iconic single day's drive in motor racing history.' Moss finished the race in ten hours and seven minutes.

1956 Italian Grand Prix

Another win came at the 1956 Italian Grand Prix. After Mercedes-Benz withdrew from the 1956 season, Moss raced for Maserati as their lead driver. Having started the race behind Ferrari's Juan Manuel Fangio, Eugenio Castellotti, Luigi Musso and Peter Collins, Sir Stirling Moss emerged as the winner.

1958 Argentina Grand Prix

With Vanwall unable to send its cars for the Argentinian GP, Sterling Moss raced the Cooper-Climax race car entered by Rob Walker. The 2.0-litre Formula Two car was under-powered compared to competition, but was light and agile. Moss drove the car with a patch on one eye as a result of an injury caused by his wife, and raced without even getting a tyre change to win. He outclassed Ferrari and Maserati.

1959 Nurburgring 1000 KMS

Moss's most famous long-distance race victory came at the 1959 Nürburgring 1000 KMS. He drove an Aston Martin DBR1 on track for three hours straight and managed a lead of five minutes over Ferrari.

As he swapped places with his co-driver, the Aston Martin spun into a ditch and fell behind by over a minute. Sir Stirling Moss took over the car and drove past the Ferrari to cross the finish line with a 21 second advantage.

1961 Monaco Grand Prix

According to legend himself, the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix was ‘probably his greatest drive in a Formula One race.' Sir Stirling Moss drove a four-cylinder Lotus 18, which was under powered compared to others. He overtook two Ferrari on lap 17 and held them off for 83 laps to win the race.

Thoughts About Sir Stirling Moss Passing Away At 90

Thank you Sir Stirling Moss for entertaining fans for 14 years. The sport has lost a legendary driver - one who was fast, furious, and dangerous. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May his soul rest in peace.