This is a true story, exactly one day before the Cuban, yes, Cuban GP was to be run in 1958, the biggest attraction at the event a certain driver known as Juan Fangio was kidnapped in his hotel lobby by a group of the current presidents Castro's supporters, intent on wrecking the then presidents Bastista's world showcase event. There was also a further promise from the protesters that they would shoot the winner of the GP and to aid their attempt at stopping the event going ahead huge amounts of oil were spread over strategic parts of the circuit. However not to be thwarted the then military general a Ferandez Miranda boldly overcame the adversity by placing machine gun wielding troops stationed at key positions around the circuit with orders to shoot anyone who threatened to disrupt the race. Needless to say race day was bedlam, 250,000 spectators rammed into the town and lined the circuit with absolutely no protection whatsoever, simply stood at the trackside, nothing between them and the cars, the race started hours late, and only six laps in a local driver crashed and instantly killed 6 spectators seriously injuring 40 more. Race control could not see the incident and it was not until Phil Hill reported the incident and told them to red flag the race that it was stopped. Later when the drivers returned to their hotel they were informed that Fangio would be returned safetly after signing personal autographs for each of the kidnappers, Fangio also still recieved his ã5000 appearance money. President Batista fled Cuba for Portugal in 1959 but not before first having raided the national gold reserves of ã500 million, he died many years later in Portugal of natural causes in 1973. Obviously the Portugese have not made good use of the ã500 million as they now are seeking handouts from the EU. Story taken from Motor Sport with edits by me.
a very bizarre story really, even for F1! just imagine what would have happens in today's world if a driver was kidnapped.....
Fangio was a legend, better than senna IMO. @F1McLaren Well Jenson nearly got kidnapped didn't he lol, so much for drivers going around by themselves anymore.
Wow thats a really interesting story in which I didnt know about before. Thanks for posting that up.... Im now off to portugal in search of gold
@El Bando I really recommend reading the biography of Fangio's years in pre f1 and during f1 (Fangio, The life behind the legend), some really interesting facts and situations that he got involved in. Can't remember where (been 2 years since I last read it) but I do know Fangio and other drivers he was racing against, once drove into the middle of a civil war which started to kick off. Even Senna called him the greatest of all time.
El Bando: I think the Portugese have spent all of that ã500 million and more, judging by their recent plea to the EU for funds for a bailout. The full article is in the recent issue of Motor Sport magazine. I can't believe Batista got away with stealing ã500 million in gold bar and died a natural death after a life of luxury, incredible.
Alex: It seems the Cubans were a tad relaxed regarding the assasination, he stole the money in 59 and died in 73, perhaps the 14 years of planning was very thorough. Or maybe a backhander or three ensured Batista's longevity.
Thats just what they want you to think... @SilverArrow. Thanks for the reccomendation, I will have to check it out
Bright: Dr Che Guevara, would have made an excellent collector / assassin, however, fortunately for Batista and unfortunatly for Che, he had taken the precaution of executing Guevara in Bolivia with some outside assistance, ie CIA, before running off with the gold, a neat move.
