Jackie Stewart powerslides his Lola T-260 off of Laguna Seca’s final turn, during the 1971 Can-Am race. Despite an ill-handling car, Stewart finished second behind the McLaren of Peter Revson. Photo: Pete Lyons
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Whee Jackie!

Exciting; that’s how Jackie Stewart stands in my memory. There’s a lot more to be said of the three-time World Champion from Scotland (and it’s all been said!), but bring it down to a single word and I still think Stewart is one of the most exciting racers I’ve ever watched.

“Wee Jackie” was his press moniker in the early days, but in my mind the spelling became “Whee!” the first time I saw him drive. It was at Watkins Glen for the U.S. Grand Prix of 1965. That was the last year of the 1.5-liter F1s, and those dainty machines were not what you’d call muscled-up, but this new kid in the tartan-banded helmet was power sliding his BRM around the sharp final turn called “The 90” like a Cobra, holding the tail out all the way down past the ramshackle old pits.

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Steve Natale has been playing with cars ever since he was old enough to first hold a matchbox car in his hand. A lifelong enthusiast of anything old with an engine in it or wheels on it, Steve has been active in the hobby for over 35 years. Currently he owns a successful marketing company with his wife Mary, is an automotive photographer, blogger and writer for several automotive magazines and regular contributor to various automotive websites. Steve has attended vintage car events and visited car museums and collections around the world.
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