The Racing Years Season 1 Episode 9 The Racing Years - 1958

The Racing Years is a thrilling documentary series that chronicles the history of motorsport racing from its earliest days to modern times. In season 1 episode 9, titled "The Racing Years - 1958," we are transported back to a time when the sport was in its prime, and the world was witnessing some of the greatest racing moments of all time.

The episode begins with a look at the Formula One season of 1958, which was dominated by the British racing team, Vanwall. The season saw the team win six out of the eleven races, with Stirling Moss securing four victories, and Tony Brooks winning two. We are treated to footage of the famous Monaco Grand Prix, where the Vanwall team secured a one-two finish, with Moss leading the way to his second victory of the season.

We then move on to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Ferrari team was heavily favored to win. However, the race saw a shocking turn of events, with the Mercedes-Benz team dominating the event. The Mercedes team secured a historic one-two finish, with Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson winning the race. We get a close-up look at the race and its most dramatic moments, including the tragic death of French driver Jean-Pierre Levegh, whose Mercedes collided with a spectator stand, killing him and more than 80 spectators.

Next, the episode takes us to the Indianapolis 500, which saw British driver Jimmy Bryan win the race for the first time. The race was marred by several crashes, including one that saw Pat O'Connor lose his life after his car burst into flames. Despite the tragedies, the season continued, and we see footage of other races, including the German Grand Prix, won by Moss, and the Italian Grand Prix, won by the legendary Mike Hawthorn.

The episode also provides a glimpse into the world of sports car racing, which was becoming increasingly popular during the late 1950s. We see footage of the Sebring 12 Hours, where the Ferraris dominated the event, and the Targa Florio, which was won by Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill, driving a Ferrari 250 TR.

Throughout the episode, we get insights from some of the sport's most iconic figures, including Stirling Moss and Mike Hawthorn. They share their memories and experiences from the year, providing a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating periods in racing history.

In conclusion, The Racing Years - 1958 is an exciting and informative episode that takes viewers on a journey back in time to witness some of the biggest moments in the history of racing. With stunning footage and insightful commentary from some of the sport's most legendary figures, this episode is a must-watch for any motorsport fan.