American automotive racing great Phil Hill has passed away. Hill was 81 year old, and had suffered from Parkinson's disease for a number of years. His last public appearance was at the recent Pebble Beech Concours d"Elegance.
The following statement is from Ferrari North America.
Appreciation
Maranello, August 28, 2008 - As soon as he got word of Phil Hill's passing, Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo declared:
I, as well as all employees of Ferrari are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.
Phil Hill raced and won many competitions both with prototype cars, like the 24 hour of Le Mans, as well as with production race cars. With our car, Phil won the Formula One Championship title in 1961 as the first American-born to reach this result.
Phil and I have always kept in touch throughout the years and I know I will miss his passion and love for Ferrari very much.
My deepest sympathies are with his wife Alma and son Derek in this sad moment.
Here's Inside Line's take: Phil Hill, American F1 Champion, Dies at 81
subytrojan says:
08:05 PM, 08/28/08
Godspeed.
ateixeira says:
09:11 AM, 08/29/08
RIP.
santiagofdz says:
09:13 AM, 08/30/08
RIP
You can write a message in his book of rememberance in his official website www.philhill.com