Auto Race Car Driver. Born in Galliate (NO), Novara, Piedmont, Italy, he was the son of a prosperous textile manufacturer. As with many racing drivers, he began with racing motorcycles until he progressed to four wheels in 1928 where for the next ten years, he would rival Tazio Nuvolari. One of his big victories came in the prestigious Targa Florio, where he would beat the favorite Louis Chiron. After racing Alfa Romeo cars he moved to Auto Union in 1935. His driving became overshadowed by teammate Bernd Rosemeyer as he won fewer races. After World War II he made a remarkable comeback at the age of 42 in 1947 and won three minor Grand Prix races. During the wet practice for the 1948 Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten near Bern, his car skidded, flipped over and crushed him to death. During his career, he competed in 139 races, winning 33.
Auto Race Car Driver. Born in Galliate (NO), Novara, Piedmont, Italy, he was the son of a prosperous textile manufacturer. As with many racing drivers, he began with racing motorcycles until he progressed to four wheels in 1928 where for the next ten years, he would rival Tazio Nuvolari. One of his big victories came in the prestigious Targa Florio, where he would beat the favorite Louis Chiron. After racing Alfa Romeo cars he moved to Auto Union in 1935. His driving became overshadowed by teammate Bernd Rosemeyer as he won fewer races. After World War II he made a remarkable comeback at the age of 42 in 1947 and won three minor Grand Prix races. During the wet practice for the 1948 Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten near Bern, his car skidded, flipped over and crushed him to death. During his career, he competed in 139 races, winning 33.
Bio by: Paul Narramore
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