Roy Salvadori -- Aston Martin DBR2

Built in 1957 to contest the World Sportcar Championship, the 3.9 liter DBR2s were rendered obsolete for European competition when the FIA limited engines to 3 liters in 1958.   Still legal for racing in the USA, Aston Martin sent their two DBR2s across the Atlantic with 4.2 liter engines for the 1959 racing season.

George Constantine raced one car on the east coast, while experienced west coast Aston Martin chauffeur Bob Oker campaigned this car in California.

Aston Martin factory driver Salvadori qualified this car 8th at the L.A. Examiner GP held at Pomona on March 8, 1959, but threw a rod in Sunday's warmup.  He drove a Lotus in the race and DNF'd.  Oker drove an older Aston Martin in the race, he also DNF'd.

While not dominant, the Aston Martin DBR2s were competitive against the American- built V8 Specials and the larger-engined Italian cars, also exiled to the USA by the international regulations.
 

(1-6-09)   From historian Ron Cummings:

"I think Roy Salvadori was scheduled to drive Lubin's DBR2 at Pomona. It was still only on loan to Lubin from the factory. Something broke prior to the race."

(1-5-09)  From 2nd Generation Racer Bill Oker:

"Great shot of the Joe Lubin owned DBR2…I added it to my collection. That's Bill Rudd…the main mechanic on the car…in the driver's seat. The guy bending over looking at something is the white shirt is probably Bill Stoops…another pit crew member and old friend of Dad's.  Looks like Santa Barbara…?? Dad's not in the picture…"

 
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