The Racing Years Season 1 Episode 19 The Racing Years - 1968

The Racing Years - 1968 focuses on the highlights of the motorsports scene in the year 1968. The episode starts with a brief introduction of the different racing series and their champions for the year. It then sets its focus on the Formula One scene, which was dominated by the Team Lotus and driver Graham Hill. Hill, who was also the defending champion, had a fierce competition with his teammate Jim Clark and Ferrari's Chris Amon. The episode covers the different races in the season and the memorable moments that took place, including Clark's spectacular win in the South African Grand Prix.

The episode then moves on to the iconic endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the rivalry between Ford and Porsche in the sportscar category. Ford had won the previous two editions of the race, but Porsche was determined to take the win this year. The episode covers the intense battle between the two manufacturers and the dramatic ending of the race, where the Porsche 907 managed to overtake the Ford GT40 on the final lap.

Next, the episode goes back to the Formula One scene and the rise of the new British team, Tyrrell. Ken Tyrrell's team had hired driver Jackie Stewart, who had previously driven for BRM and Matra, and together they proved to be a formidable force. The episode covers Stewart's first win with Tyrrell in the Monaco Grand Prix and his dominance in the Dutch Grand Prix, where he lapped the entire field.

The episode then touches on the American racing scene and the Indianapolis 500, which was won by Bobby Unser. The race was notable for the tragic death of driver Joe Leonard during practice, which prompted safety concerns in the sport. The episode also covers the Can-Am championship, which was won by McLaren's Denny Hulme, and the dominance of the British Saloon Car Championship by the Ford Escorts.

The final part of the episode focuses on the tragic events that took place in the Mexican Grand Prix. During the race, there was a terrible accident that claimed the lives of both Pedro Rodriguez and Jo Siffert. The episode pays tribute to the two drivers and reflects on the impact their loss had on the racing community.

Overall, The Racing Years - 1968 is a captivating episode that provides an insight into the exciting world of motorsports in the late 1960s. From the tight battles in Formula One to the endurance challenges in Le Mans, this episode covers it all. The episode also highlights the danger of the sport and the sacrifices that drivers made to pursue their passion. It is a must-watch for any motorsports fan and a great addition to the series.