Phil Hill // 1927-2008

The first American to ever win the Formula One world championship, racing legend Phil Hill died today of respiratory failure in a Monterey hospital. After winning the F1 world championship in 1961, Hill continued his storied motorsports career, including three wins at the 24hrs of Le Mans, an equal number at the 12hrs of Sebring, as well as three Grand Prix wins - two at Italy and one at Belgium. Having struggled with Parkinson's disease for years, Hill succumbed to complications with his breathing, passing on today at the age of 81. American motorsport fans have lost not only a champion, but a true hero of the sport. Our thoughts go out to the Hill family // 08.28.2008