Tucker Formula 1

[fromatlas]

Anyone got any comments or information on this:<br>
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from an article in Automobile Quaterly vol.4 n°1 (1965), page 64 :<br>
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"For the 1950 racing season a team of six Grand Prix cars based on the Miller four-wheel drive, rear-engine concept, with fully enclosed aerodynamic coachwork, was to be captained by Ralph Hepburn, a fisty-one-year-old racing veteran. Preston [Tucker] had deplored the automotive industry's attitude towards racing in Europe. Thus Hepburn was to amass the greatest racing talents in the country, and with the Red, White and Blue emblazoned on the sides of their cars, the team was to challenge the world's finest racing vehicles on their home ground. Unfortunately, Hepburn died in the crash of his high-speed Novi while practicing for the Indianapolis race. It was Sunday, May 16, 1948, two weeks before the thirty-second running of the speed classic. His untimely death curtailed our enthusiasm and our racing program was ultimately suspended. "<br>
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It's signed by Alex Tremulis, the man responsible for styling the Tucker. <p></p><i></i>

[1Robert]

Ralph had been racing since 1924 and had made a number of appearances in the Indianapolis 500. He joined up with Preston Tucker in 1947 as a Western Zone manager. Ralph had stayed out of the 500 that year. In 1948 he was adament about trying for the win than he had narrowly missed so many times. Ralph was 53 years of age and walked with a limp from injuries sustained in previous racing accidents. When Preston mentioned to Hepburn that he couldn't stand to be busted up much more. Ralph told him in reply that if he got hit this time he wouldn't feel it. While running up at 132 miles an hour he skidded across the infield on the northeast turn, swerved back across the track into the wall. In an unfortunet twist, Preston Tucker had made a special trip to Indianapolis to try and persuade Ralph not to race. Preston was walking over to the track and heard the crash that killed Hepburn. Tucker attended Ralph Hepburn's funeral in Glendale California.<br>
Respectfully<br>
Robert W. Collier <p></p><i></i>