A Fine Man

A spectacular second season in America yielded no less than 5 wins, 4 poles and alongside scoring 195 points, Alessandro claimed his first PPG Cup championship. His victory that year at Cleveland has gone down in CART history. Having dropped to 22nd place after 37 laps of the 90 lap event - due to a pair of penalties, the Italian scythed his way through the field and upon taking the flag, opinions that here was a man of immense talent, abounded.

Buoyed by the success of the previous year, Zanardi utterly dominated CART in '98 and subsequently became only the third driver in the sports history to win back-to-back titles. Earning a series-high seven victories - coupled with establishing a CART record of 15 podium finishes in a season, the Italian impressively claimed the championship at Vancouver with 4 races remaining. Eventually, the records and achievements caught the eye of one Sir Frank Williams, and unable to resist the challenge of another go at Formula One, Zanardi signed a three year deal with the Williams team for 1999. Though in the middle of a transition period - while awaiting the arrival of BMW power for '00, expectations were high for both parties yet the season was nothing short of a nightmare. Ousted by the end of the season - having failed to register a single point, Zanardi took his leave and after a years sabbatical, returned to America in 2001 for another assault on the CART championship.

Struggling to re-gain his past form, Zanardi struggled in the early stages of this season and amid rumours of team boss Mo Nunn looking elsewhere for '02, the Italian began to show signs of his former self.

Alessandro Zanardi was in contention for a podium finish in his last race - having lead the event until his final pit stop, yet as a result of his accident, the racing world will sadly see no more of this talented, popular, and enormously loved man.

To his wife Danielle and son Niccolo, we offer our thoughts and prayers...

MJD2001 ©

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