Tag Archives: 1970

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STEVE McQUEEN | LE MANS & BEYOND GRATUITOUS 1970s RACING GOODNESS

Steve McQueen at the legendary 1970 12 Hours of Sebring Race where McQueen (partnered with co-driver Peter Revson) raced with a broken left foot in a cast against racing great, Mario Andretti.  McQueen is sporting his iconic ’67 Rolex Submariner that went for $234,000 at auction in 2009.  BTW – Anyone else feeling the “Brian Johnson AC/DC ” vibe here with the black leather 8-panel cap?

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Steve McQueen’s 1971 epic, Le Mans, is the racecar film that is widely hailed as the gold standard for which all such films are measured– now, and certainly well into the future.  It was filmed largely live at the actual 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, without the benefit of computer generated imagery and modern day trickery that we rely on today.  It feels raw because it is raw.  McQueen had originally planned to enter the #26 Porsche 917K with co-driver Jackie Stewart.  Fate had other ideas–  their entry car was rejected, and McQueen was unable to get insurance for the race.  As such, Jo Siffert and Brian Redman were now given driving duties.  While it was never a commercial success, it is long on guts, and is a sensory feast when it comes to the sounds and sights of what racing is all about.  Looking back at this incredible era, it’s hard not to be struck between the eyes by the strong graphic elements of the cars, logos, racing gear,  and attitude on display at every turn.

In preparation for the filming of the movie “Le Mans”, Steve McQueen went to the 1969 race to scout filming spots around the Le Mans course. When they returned in 1970 with all their camera equipment they knew all the best camera locations for the footage they would need for the movie “Le Mans.” I wonder who has all that film footage that they took in 1969? –Nigel Smuckatelli

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1970 — Steve McQueen at Sebring hanging out with Carroll Shelby.

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1970 — Steve McQueen at Sebring

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BUDDY MILES | THE BAND OF GYPSY’S FUNKY BADASS MOTHER DRUMMER

Buddy Miles– blues/rock funkmaster legend if there ever was one.  Miles was given the nickname “Buddy” as a child by his aunt– after the original drumming legend, Buddy Rich.  He and Jimi worked their way up in the music scene together around the same time– Buddy playing in various jazz, soul, R&B, and rock acts before finally co-founding the short-lived Electric Flag. The band’s first album, Electric Church, was even produced by Hendrix.  Miles returned the favor and recorded with Hendrix on Electric Ladyland. Later, with his signature afro and psychedelic get-ups that rivaled even Jimi– he, along with bass player Billy Cox, backed Hendrix in Band of Gypsys after the disbanding of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. They had an amazing and funky chemistry that really riffed.  It’s been said that the Band of Gypsy’s album, recorded New Year’s Eve ’69 – New Year’s Day ’70, was primarily an obligatory move on Jimi’s part– as he owed the record company another album under the terms of his contract.  Who really cares, if that was in fact the case?  It worked, but unfortunately not for very long.  By the end of January they were done– disbanded following the infamous show at MSG.  And no, man– we aren’t going to talk about them California Raisins.  R.I.P. Buddy Miles.

1968– Buddy Miles and Jimi Hendrix recording Electric Ladyland, The Record Plant, NYC — © Eddie Kramer  “Jimi had a long standing warm relationship with Buddy Miles.  As one can tell from this photo, Jimi and Buddy can hardly contain their laughter. One of Jimi’s most endearing traits was his amazing sense of humor.  Even though at times it was directed at myself, Mitch and Noel, his humor was often quite self-deprecating.  This was all done in the desire to keep the session loose!” — EK

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Jimi Hendrix (Lucky Lager) and Buddy Miles, of the all-black badass funky rock trio Band of Gypsys.

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Jimi Hendrix on bass, Johnny Winter on guitar, and Buddy Miles on drums Feb. of ’69 at The Scene. — © Bill Nitopi (via)

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1970 12 HOURS OF SEBRING RACE | STEVE McQUEEN’S BRUSH WITH VICTORY

Steve McQueen at the 1970 Sebring 12 Hour Race drove with his left foot in a cast due to a motorcycle accident. He had to have the foot wrapped in asbestos cloth because the plaster cast was transferring too much engine heat to his foot. His crew is re-wrapping his foot making final adjustments to make it as comfortable as possible.

“Steve McQueen at the 1970 Sebring 12 Hour Race drove with his left foot in a cast due to a motorcycle accident. He had to have the foot wrapped in asbestos cloth because the plaster cast was transferring too much engine heat to his foot. His crew is re-wrapping his foot making final adjustments to make it as comfortable as possible.” –Louis Galanos

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I’ll be the first to admit that any reference to Steve McQueen these days can seem pretty freakin’ cliche. So what.  Seriously though– the fact that McQueen (partnered with Peter Revson) raced with a broken left foot in a cast and came in 2nd to Mario Andretti is pretty amazing in my book.  Throw in some pretty cool insider commentary by the photographer Louis Galanos, and remembrances from others at the race, and you’ve got an amazing trip back in time that combines the best of vintage Hollywood and racing history.

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Steve McQueen screwing around before the Sebring, Florida 12-Hour Race (Tri-X). You can clearly see that his left foot is in a cast.

Steve McQueen screwing around on a scooter before the Sebring, Florida 12-Hour Race (Tri-X). You can clearly see that his left foot is in a cast. ©Al Satterwhite

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