Briggs was a great competitor and his loss is deeply felt, but there is
no reason to embellish a career that certainly needs no help. Without in
any way intending disrespect for Briggs, please note that:
He was hardly the first American to compete at Le Mans - Jimmy Murphy
won the French GP there in a Duesenberg in 1921, but the 24 hour
endurance classic was first run in 1923. American cars and drivers took
part in the race as early as 1925, with Chrysler and Stutz among the
early entrants. The first American drivers at LeMans were Charles Moran
and Alfred Miranda, driving a du Pont. They retired after 20 laps. Miles
Collier, later a Cunningham team driver, first drove at Le Mans in 1939
in an MG Special.
Likewise, international racing colors were first specified for the 1907
French Grand Prix, though at that time the American colors were to be
white with red.
So much history is simply repetition of unsubstantiated facts; I hope
that these notes will clarify the true role Briggs Cunningham played in
encouraging American sports car racing at home and in Europe.
Jack Rubin
USA
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