Mario Andretti took his first grand prix victory in South Africa at the Kyalami Circuit. Driving for Ferrari, he finished the race nearly 21 seconds ahead of Jackie Stewart in his Tyrell Cosworth. Andretti is the only man to win the US driver of the year award in three consecutive decades, 1967, 1978 and 1984.
1931
Jimmy Stewart, older brother of world champion Jackie Stewart, was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland. He never showed the natural talent of his younger brother and competed in just one championship grand prix, with Ecurie Ecosse, as well as numerous non championship races. He died on January 3, 2008 aged 76.
1909
American driver Bill Schindler was born in Middletown, New York. He raced extensively in the US in midgets and Champ Car; during a crash in a Champ Car race in 1936 he lost his left leg above knee. Despite his disability he took part in three Indy 500 races, when they were part of the world championship. He died in an accident during a sprint car race at Allentown Pennsylvania in 1952 at the age of 43.
1917
German racing driver Oswald Karch was born, he raced in one grand prix but was forced to retire after just ten laps.
