24h Le Mans
Tony Adamowicz, one of the most eclectic drivers of his generation, passed away Monday, October 10th as a result of a brain tumor. Third at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans with the NART team, the American participated in the race three times.
A pillar of the American championship Trans Am, in which he won a class victory in 1968, Tony Adamowicz, nicknamed "A to Z" (the first and last letters of his name), also dipped his toe in single-seaters and won in F5000 in 1969. At the same time, the New York state native competed in several endurance races with Porsche and Ferrari.
It was to the Italian manufacturer that he owed his top achievements, including two second place finishes at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1971 and 1979, as well as third step on the overall podium at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans along with Sam Posey in a 512 M owned by Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team. The duo finished sixth in 1972 in a Ferrari 365.
In 1979, the American driver became a member of the official Datsun (Nissan) team for its program in the IMSA championship, until 1982, before retiring and participating solely in vintage races.
To his family and loved ones, the ACO extends its sincerest condolences.
Photo: It was in the #12 Ferrari 512 M that Tony Adamowicz and Sam Posey crossed the finish line in third place at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans.
