The start of any motor race is the highlight of race weekend. The previous day’s qualifying and race strategies can be validated or thrown out within seconds. In Formula 1, twenty-four cars— 10,000 horsepower—unleash their power from a single standing start. A fury of pressure and tension is released as a field of Formula I cars fight for the lead into the first corner.
Ferrari 512M s/n 1040
The Ferrari 512M was derived from the 512S Group 5 sports racing car. The 512S was originally created to compete against the Porsche 917. A minimum production run of 25 cars was required meet the homologation requirements for Group 5. The Ferrari 512S development car (s/n 1040) was introduced November 6, 1969, after an eight-month design and build period. The chassis was an evolution of the earlier 312P prototype and 612 Can-Am. The cars used a steel tube chassis reinforced with alloyed paneling for strength. The semi-stressed 5 liter engine, a 60 degree V12, was also derived from the Project 241 Can-Am. When the 512S was introduced, the engine was rated 550 bhp at 8500 RPM. The 512S raced in both coupe and spider versions. For the 1970 Le Mans, a long tail (coda lunga) was added to the 512S to increase top speed on the Mulsanne straight. Unlike the Porsche 917—with a fundamental aerodynamic problem—the Ferrari 512S was remarkably reliable when first introduced.
The Monterey Historic Automobile Races will run August 15-17 at Laguna Seca race track in Monterey, California. Each year, organizers select a manufacture or driver to celebrate, and this year’s salute goes to Alfa Romeo and Mario Andretti. Also featured will be a variety of marques from the past 34 Monterey Historic races.
There are some 400 entries, including 1966 to 1982 Formula 1, Trans-Am of the classic late ’60s era, Can-Am cars, and the Historic IMSA classes. In the past, the Trans-Am and Historic IMSA classes have produced competitive and exciting races. It promises to be a great year to attend.
Visit www.montereyhistoric.com/index.html for updates.