Hollywood Danny goes F1

Rising star Danny Sullivan had scored one victory in the Can-Am Series in 1981 and made his debut in the PPG IndyCar series in 1982.

He then was recruited by the Tyrrell Formula One Team for the 1983 season at the request of their main sponsor Benetton, who wanted an American driver in their team.

Danny Sullivan, with the looks of a movie star, nicknamed Hollywood Danny because he was later a guest star in TV series Miami Vice, was the perfect candidate for textile giant Benetton, who planned a breakthrough on the US market.

The American competed in the 15 races of the 1983 season, scoring two points with a fifth place at the Monaco Grand Prix. He also performed strongly in the non-championship Race of Champions held at Brands Hatch, finishing second behind reigning champion Keke Rosberg.

Nevertheless, he somewhat was overshadowed by his more experienced teammate, Michele Alboreto (who won the 1983 Detroit Grand Prix for the team, its last ever F1 victory), and was not retained for the 1984 season.

Sullivan returned to race (with great success) in the US, winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500 and the 1988 CART PPG IndyCar Series.

He is seen here (picture above) aboard the Tyrrell 011B Cosworth at Detroit 1983 where he qualified 16th, but had to retire with electrical problems, on lap 30. His team mate Alboreto won the race (picture below).