12 Facts About Phil Walters

Philip F Walters was an American racing driver, who won both the 12 Hours of Sebring and Watkins Glen Grand Prix twice.

Phil Walters flew a Waco CG-4A glider during a disastrous invasion of the Netherlands, which the Germans knew of in advance.

Phil Walters was able to safely land his troops although he was wounded, and taken prisoner.

Phil Walters finished the World War II with the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, seven Bronze Stars and the rank of Flight officer.

Phil Walters resumed his winning ways, stringing together 26 feature race wins in row in 1947, and in another 47 events, he would never finish lower than third in the final results.

Phil Walters dominated at the Riverside Park Speedway, becoming their first track champion in 1949.

Phil Walters returned in 1952, this time alongside Duane Carter, only to record a DNF because of a blown Chrysler engine.

Phil Walters won the 1953 12 Hours of Sebring with Fitch, against the European factory teams, in the inaugural race of the World Sportscar Championship.

The Cunningham team contested the SCCA National Sports Car Championship series in the US, and here Phil Walters won many races, including the Watkins Glen Grand Prix.

Phil Walters won three times at the Glen, including the Seneca Cup in 1950, and the Grand Prix of 1951 and 1954.

Phil Walters was the only driver to claim Watkins Glen victories on both the original open-road course and the closed circuit.

Phil Walters's ability brought him an offer from Enzo Ferrari to drive for him, in Formula One just before 1955 Le Mans.