Just a few months ago we wrote a story about our good friend Tony Adamowicz being re-united with his 1969 championship winning Gurney Eagle Formula 5000 car. We were also fortunate enough to have been invited to Tony’s return to the cars office in a test session at Willow Springs Raceway just last year. The very same track that A2Z tested his very first F5000 car…with rather -well, interesting results….you’ll have to look up the archived article here or read about it on Tony’s web site.

The guys at the Riverside International Automotive Museum brought ‘ol number 7 back to life after nearly 40 years. Doug Magnon, Bill and the crew (with guidance from Tony) rebuilt the car to its original specifications. We understand that even the late, great Peter Bryant had his hand in the set-up of the car on occasion - with expected results; a faster car.  The car is fantastic. It is NOT a tribute car, or kind of like what Tony drove in 1969, it is indeed Tony’s old car…..the real McCoy.

Here is where this story becomes even more interesting. A phone call from Tony just a couple of days ago confirmed a great weekend at Watkins Glen for himself and his car. Tony said the car ran great and with the points earned at the Glen last weekend it has been confirmed that A2Z is again Formula 5000 class champion, driving the very car that he won his championship in 40….yes….. F O R T Y years ago!!!!!

We have been racking our brain trying to recall if anything like this has EVER happened in the history of Motor Sport……….the answer appears to be a resounding NO.  Tony has always been an American racing icon- now, to his long list of accomplishments he can add a new remarkable benchmark; one that no other racing car driver has ever achieved- anywhere, anytime or in the history of the sport….  

At no time in the history of automobile racing has a single driver and a single car been reunited to win a championship racing series 40 years after it happened - the first time! Until now……. Listen carefully Tony and you will hear the applause. Fantastic!

There have been a number of great racing champions in the last 100 or so years. What Tony and the guys at RIAM have accomplished however; is truly monumental and an absolute milestone, one that may never be repeated; by anyone.  

O.C.C.E.