James Hunt won the 1977 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in the rain starting from the pole. It was a wet weekend in the Finger Lakes region of New York for drivers and fans alike. It was Hunt's second win in a row at Watkins Glen, joining Jim Clark who had done it in 1966 and 1967. Here Hunt passes the grandstand at the bottom of the hill leading to the Esses. The large crowd sitting in the rain on a cold day is a testament to what Formula One at Watkins Glen meant to so many people at that time. Hunt had been unable to defend his championship from the previous year but did win three races and six poles in 1977. This photo appeared in the book "Formula One at Watkins Glen - 20 Years Of The United States Grand Prix, 1961-1980," by Michael Argetsinger.
Jacky Ickx getting information from his Ferrari mechanic during practice for the 1971 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. He would start seventh and retire due to alternator failure 49 laps into the 59-lap race. The Belgian driver won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times and achieved eight wins and 25 podium finishes in Formula One. Ickx was responsible for ending the Le Mans start where drivers ran across the track then jumped in their cars trying to buckle seat belts quickly and then charged onto the circuit. This caused drivers to begin racing in a hurry and often not putting on helmets or safety belts properly in order to save a few seconds. In 1969, as a rookie, Ickx walked over to his Ford GT40 then put on his safety belt and helmet, starting last. Teamed up with Jackie Oliver, Jacky Ickx won the race. His protest did not go unnoticed, and the rules were changed for 1970 so that all drivers from then on started the race sitting in their cars ready for the race.
