Photo : Mercedes Benz -

At the age of 95, John Cooper Fitch succumbed to cancer yesterday morning (31st of October 2012). A multi-faceted American driver who scored six podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (third in 1953).

A fighter pilot during the Second World War, John Fitch was particularly distinguished in downing a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet. It was perhaps the performance of the P51 Mustang that gave him the taste for post-war racing.

After serving in Allied aircraft, Fitch joined Mercedes-Benz, becoming the first American to race in Europe after the World War. He also raced with Briggs-Cunningham, Aston Martin and Ferrari in events as legendary as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was then the first director of the Corvette racing team.

On the 11th of June 1955, the American witnessed the tragic events at Le Mans,  which claimed the life of his team-mate Pierre Levegh. It was  this vision of horror that prompted him to get involved in automotive safety, which he did with tireless tenacity. Many Americans owe their lives to the introduction of yellow barrels filled with sand (Fitch Barrier), which are still visible along US highways.

To his family and loved ones, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest expresses its deepest sympathy.

France 1955 - Fitch (left) talking to Neubauer (right) and team-mate Levegh who died during the '24 Heures du Mans.'	Northern Ireland 1955 - Fitch and Moss won the RAC Tourist Trophy in a Mercedes 300 SLR.	USA 1957 - Fitch was the first team manager of  Corvette in competition.

John Fitch at the '24 Heures du Mans' :
1951 - 18th: Cunningham C-2R (Walters-Fitch)
1952 - DNF: Cunningham C4 RK (Rice, Fitch)
1953 - 3rd: Cunningham C5 R (Walters, Fitch)
1954 - DNF: Ferrari 375 MM (Walters, Fitch)
1955 - DNF: Mercedes Benz 300 SLR (Fitch, Levegh)
1960 - 8th: Chevrolet Corvette (Fitch, Grossman)

Julien Hergault

Photo : MEXICO , CARRERA PANAMERICANA, 23rd NOVEMBER 1952. John Fitch.