Thursday, January 2, 2020

Pedro Rodriguez Wins "South African Grand Prix" - January 2, 1967

January 2, 1967
 (Photo; en.espn.co.uk)
The first South African Grand Prix, to be held on the Kyalami track near Johannesburg, is won by Pedro Rodriguez, at the wheel of a Cooper-Maserati. It was the first Formula 1 win for Rodriguez, and last for Cooper.

Denny Hulme led Jack Brabham away from the start, but the Australian soon spun, handing second place to Surtees, but by lap 21 had managed to regain 2nd. Further down the field, local privateer racer John Love was doing very successfully, rising up to third place in a 4-cylinder Cooper Climax. On lap 41, Brabham retired, followed by Dan Gurney on lap 44. On lap 59, Hulme had to pit for more brake fluid, handing the lead sensationally to Love. A magnificent drive was heartbreakingly halted as with just seven laps left he had to sweep into the pits to take on more fuel. Rodríguez took a fine win for Cooper from Love in second place and Surtees in third.

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