Remembering Exciting Racing Events

Today, fans of Formula One competitions enjoy collecting art work and memorabilia. This merchandise helps commemorate thrilling races and popular drivers. Racing Arts offers high quality diecast scale miniature models in honor of driver Ayrton Senna.

An Influential Figure in Formula One Racing

Ayrton Senna (1960-1994) died in a racetrack accident on May 1, 1994. Yet fans around the world remember his significant contributions to the field of Formula One racing to this day. He remains one of the most frequently mentioned drivers in opinion polls naming the most influential drivers.

Born in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Ayrton Senna first developed an interest in auto racing during childhood. His father, an industrialist, allowed him to begin driving farm vehicles at an young age. He started racing in karting competitions at the age of 13. He won the 1977 South American Kart Championship and qualified to compete in the World Karting Championship in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982. In 1983, he tested to compete in Formula One racing.

He started racing in Formal One competitions in 1984. During his career on the track, he participated in four different teams: Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, and Williams. Ayrton Senna won a total of three Formula One Championships and 41 auto races.

One of his most memorable racing triumphs occurred in 1993. In Hockenheim, he emerged from far behind to finish in fourth place during the German Grand Prix. By 1994, he reportedly received a $20 million yearly compensation as a member of the Williams team. This figure reflected his leading stature as one of the most successful Formula One drivers.

Tragic Events

Two tragedies marked the ill-fated 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. During the qualifying laps, a rookie driver from Austria, Roland Ratzenberger, perished when his vehicle spun out of control and collided with a concrete wall. The next day during the race, Ayrton Senna's vehicle also crashed into a retaining wall. He sustained fatal head injuries during the accident.

Fans around the world mourned. Reportedly, over a million people witnessed Ayrton Senna's funeral procession in Brazil. An inquiry many years later determined his vehicle's steering column had malfunctioned.

People still remember Ayrton Senna as one of Formula One's most acclaimed drivers. He remains a beloved figure. His career inspires racing fans today!