Niki Lauda Passes Away
 

Niki Lauda - on eof my hero's from passed away yesterday.

World Champ 3 times - he was considered one of the all time greats.

His fire-ball crash in 1976 is well known. Despite inhaling toxic/burning fumes in the crash, he was back racing 6 weeks later the same year and just missed winning the championship.

He did win again in 1977 and 1984. One very tough cookie!

I was lucky enough to get a pic with him a couple of years ago at the race in Texas:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...83c1c1f43b.jpg

A huge loss. In reading the story I am about to tell keep in mind that Lauda was a VERY wealthy man.

In 2013 Mercedes was transporting a busload of their VIPs from a hotel in downtown Montreal to the Grand Prix track.. Generally the VIPs were very successful dealers, senior executives etc. Lauda was on board.

As luck would have it the bus broke down! Lauda instantly jumped from his seat, went to the back of the bus, opened the engine cover and prceeded to get the bus going!!!

A true character, a hero, and a great man.

Sounds like him alright!

My hero too. That crash/fire was scary as he..