Racing driver. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Masten Gregory became a legendary racing driver for a number of reasons. He was the very first American to start a World Championship Grand Prix, he scored a podium finish in that first GP, he wore very strong spectacles which was/is unusual in motor racing, and he won the famous Le Mans 24hr race. Short, slightly built and a chain smoker, he was not your average race driver. His father was in the insurance business but died when Masten was only three. His mother sold the business and with his inheritance, when he became old enough, Masten bought his first racing car. He arrived in Europe in 1954 where he raced sportscars. In 1957 he shared a win in the Argentine 1000km race and later that year scored an impressive 3rd place in a private Maserati 250F at the Monaco GP. During the next eight years, there were 39 GP starts and many podium pacings. He raced amongst the best and was regarded by many as fearless for his daring and aggressive style. In sportscars he excelled, recording fastest lap in the 1960 Le Mans 24hr race. In 1965 he teamed up with Rindt in a Ferrari 250LM and finally won at Le Mans, one of the the first times an American had ever won this gruelling race. After driving a wide selection of sportscars with slowly dwindling success, he retired in 1972. He finally died in his sleep of a heart attack at his winter home in Porto Ercole, Italy.
Racing driver. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Masten Gregory became a legendary racing driver for a number of reasons. He was the very first American to start a World Championship Grand Prix, he scored a podium finish in that first GP, he wore very strong spectacles which was/is unusual in motor racing, and he won the famous Le Mans 24hr race. Short, slightly built and a chain smoker, he was not your average race driver. His father was in the insurance business but died when Masten was only three. His mother sold the business and with his inheritance, when he became old enough, Masten bought his first racing car. He arrived in Europe in 1954 where he raced sportscars. In 1957 he shared a win in the Argentine 1000km race and later that year scored an impressive 3rd place in a private Maserati 250F at the Monaco GP. During the next eight years, there were 39 GP starts and many podium pacings. He raced amongst the best and was regarded by many as fearless for his daring and aggressive style. In sportscars he excelled, recording fastest lap in the 1960 Le Mans 24hr race. In 1965 he teamed up with Rindt in a Ferrari 250LM and finally won at Le Mans, one of the the first times an American had ever won this gruelling race. After driving a wide selection of sportscars with slowly dwindling success, he retired in 1972. He finally died in his sleep of a heart attack at his winter home in Porto Ercole, Italy.
