Graded Drivers

AS a result of their efforts during the 1973 season, and taking into account their record for 1972, a list of Graded Drivers has been drawn up by the CSI, for Grand Prix racing and for long-distance sports car racing. Being on these two select lists not only means that a driver achieved something worthwhile during the past two seasons, but it puts his value up as regards starting-money, appearance-money, sponsorship-money or any other source of income. In other words, his earning potential is increased over someone who has nothing to show for his season’s efforts, and as always it supports the theory that the Golden Book of Race Results is what really matters in motor racing. A driver like Stewart, who has a list of victories as long as your arm, all noted down in the record book, is more successful by anyone’s standards than a driver with a long list of non-starting or retirements. The two published lists contain a very select group of worthy racing drivers, and all aspiring aces should make it their aim to get on one or other of the lists.

—D.S.J.