Carroll Shelby Dies at 89

[Dave Smith]

News just crossed my desk that Carroll Shelby has died yesterday at 89 years old. I'll have to gather my thoughts before I write anything, but I wanted you all to know.

Click here to read the story on Speed's website. (http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-carroll-shelby-dies-at-89/)

Dave Smith
Factory Five Racing President

[David Hodgkins]

I have changed the censor to allow 'Shelby' to remain without changing to '******'.

Please, PLEASE to respect the dead. Strong inflammatory comments may be edited or removed.

[SStrong]

Carroll is a real legend. A shame to lose him. My prayers are out for him, and my sympathy for his family. May he rest in peace.

Steve

[snakebit31]

As I've stated elsewhere, I strongly disagree with his actions over the past several years. That said, I have nothing but respect for his contributions to American motorsports, in developing the car of which we have all fallen in love. RIP Carroll Shelby.

[Brian Z]

His legend will live on forever. He has certainly made his mark on the auto industry and race history. FFR would not exist if Mr. Shelby didn't stuff huge american engines in little Brittish cars. RIP Carroll Shelby.

[skullandbones]

Personal idiosyncracies and behavior will be forgotten but his contributions will live on. Shelby was cut from the same sort of stuff of Howard Hughs (IMO), an iconic but somewhat tragic figure in history. WEK.

[289_FIA]

I am still to this day of the firm belief that it was not just Shelby's actions. I firmly believe that alot of it happened due to the people around him. Whatever the case I am saddened to here of his passing. He was a great driver who helped put Ferrari in his place and as far as i am concerned he will be missed. Another one of the old guard has gone may he rest in peace.

[Mark Dougherty]

Very sad to hear this
He has inspired me in ways I would have never dreamed of if it were not for him.
RIP
Mark Dougherty
The traveling Builder

[CapeCoralCobra]

RIP, CS. If it wasn't for him AND Dave Smith, I wouldn't be on this forum with my dream car in the garage.

[vnmsss]

He truly lived and defined what we've come to know as the American Racing Dream.....Grassroots in his day, strong-willed, and passionate about speed and performance. I am honored to be competing in the sillouhette of America's Greatest Racecar.....Shelby built a legend, and Dave Smith made it possible for all of us to build our dream. Karen

Racing last year with the SCCA Historics at Laguna Seca:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=3558675219109&set=a.1839046869475.102793.1639625256&type=1&theater

[289FIA_Cobra]

It is a sad day in automotive history. His vision and fire to kick Ferrari's *** resulted in what is STILL one of the most beautiful and loved cars of the 20th century. Not even Carroll himself could have envisioned all that he has accomplished, back in 1959 when he was forced to quit racing, but he DID have a vision to build cars under his name. The result of which only a few will ever achieve in their own lifetime... creation of an iconic car, a LeMan's winner, two FIA Championships, an image builder to both Ford and Dodge, a kids foundation, a WWII airplane instructor, a chicken farmer, a father and husband.

How luck he was to lived the life he did, even on borrowed body parts! (Hey, that kidney isn't original equipment!).

Today, like most Fridays, I drove FFR 4883 to work. I learned about his death at lunch. When I drove home, I thought about him, punched the accelerator to 100mph as a tribute to him... and just smiled all the way home. Thank you Mr. Shelby for creating the mold for the car I cherish today. You will be missed and grateful for a 60 seconds of time I got to meet you last year.

[Kalstar]

He is and was a man that deserves respect, but the personal opinions he earned were warranted both positive and negative. God speed.

[Rodney]

A visionary that spawned one of the most iconic cars ever.

[froggyman]

http://www.kentuckycobraclub.com/files/Shellby_Tribute.jpg

[froggyman]

http://www.kentuckycobraclub.com/files/Shellby_Tribute.jpg9690

[froggyman]

9691
News just crossed my desk that Carroll Shelby has died yesterday at 89 years old. I'll have to gather my thoughts before I write anything, but I wanted you all to know.

Click here to read the story on Speed's website. (http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-carroll-shelby-dies-at-89/)

Dave Smith
Factory Five Racing President

[froggyman]

9692

[riptide motorsport]

He lived the All American Red Blooded kids dream.:o

[Rich_S]

Carroll Shelby gave us proof that America and her citizens can be great even if formed from simple roots. It's not so much what you have as it is what you do that can make such an impact on the world. I never knew Carroll but what I do know he was one person I would have loved to have known. I'm very sad to hear of his passing. I'll paint a tear on my coupe in his honor because I have had such joy in experiencing the world of GT motor sports, cars he made possible, and with which he triumphed over the established dominance of Ferrari.

Thank you Mr. Shelby