In later years we would of course, indulge in little friendly verbal sparring when speaking at the same dinner:
Vic, after repeating several times: “I won six times at the Nürburgring”
Brian: “Vic, we’re both getting old but perhaps you could remind me, when you won the 1000Kms in 1970 with Kurt Ahrens, wasn’t it after Siffert and I broke down? When you won the 500Kms also in 1970, driving the factory Chevron B16, wasn’t that after I’d caught fire in the B16/S?”
Vic’s superb victories at the Monte Carlo Rally, Daytona 24 Hours and Targa Florio in 1968; his love of the Porsche 917 right from the start because as he said: “It’s 20 miles an hour faster than anything on the Mulsanne”; his success in the TransAm; and ability with the Chaparral 2J “sucker” car; not to mention his Chevalier de Ordre National du Merite awarded for bravery at Le Mans in 1972, trying to rescue Jo Bonnier are are all testament to his personal character, his driving abilities and his stature as one of the greatest and most versatile drivers of all time.
Brave and smiling as always, in the early hours of March 13 Vic lost his final battle, this time with an unbeatable foe, cancer. Throughout this long and painful struggle, his much loved wife, Anita, fought by his side.
Rest In Peace Vic.
In the not too distant future, I look forward to one day racing again with you in that great Race Track in the Sky.