This Logbook episode covers a conversation hosted by the International Motor Racing Research Center celebrating the Elva reunion at Watkins Glen. This event commemorates the historic bond between Elva cars and the racetrack, featuring speakers like Janos Wimpffen, author of a definitive book on Elva, and Burdette "Birdie" Martin, a leading ambassador for automobile racing. The speakers explore Elva’s history from its inception by Frank Nichols in 1955, emphasizing its evolution, key milestones, and the significance of figures such as Chuck Dietrich, Carl Haas, and Mark Donahue. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, Elva's marketing influence, challenges, innovations, and the car's status in vintage motorsports. The event also spotlights notable Elva models and the individuals who have contributed to its storied legacy. The script concludes with a Q&A session, highlighting the irreplaceable role of enthusiasts and historians in preserving motorsport history.
This episode was originally recorded in 2012 at International Motor Racing Research Center and has been remastered for this podcast.
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00:00:00 Elva Reunion at Watkins Glen; Welcome by JC Argetsinger
00:02:39 Michael Argetsinger's Program Overview and Acknowledgements
00:04:27 Keynote Speaker: Janos Wimpffen
00:11:11 Elva's Historical Significance
00:18:49 Frank Nichols and the Birth of Elva
00:24:27 Elva's Expansion and Key Figures
00:32:06 Birdie Martin's Personal Stories
00:51:25 The Courier and Production Challenges
00:53:23 Elva's Rapid Growth and Racing Success
00:53:44 Key Drivers and Racing Achievements
00:57:26 Formula Junior and Elva's Innovations
01:06:27 Challenges and Recovery for Elva
01:19:46 The Elva Porsche and McLaren
01:22:51 Elva's Legacy and Modern Impact
01:26:17 Q&A Session and Closing Remarks
The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net
More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsportsOnline Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.