Jack Brabham scores his first Formula 1 world title, which is also the first for a driver of a rear-engined car • BRM takes its first GP victory with Jo Bonnier in the Dutch GP • 22-year-old Bruce McLaren becomes the then youngest GP winner at Sebring • Mike Hawthorn is killed in a road accident • Aston Martin wins Le Mans 24 Hours, with Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby driving, and takes the World Sportscar Championship • Jean Behra is killed in a sportscar race supporting the German GP at Avus • USAC makes its only visit to the Daytona Speedway: Jim Rathman's Watson wins at an average speed of 170mph • Rodger Ward takes his first success in the Indy 500, on his way to the USAC title
1959
Jack Brabham collapses after pushing his car across the finish line at Sebring to claim his first title
Tony Brooks leads Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham in the German GP at Avus
Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby win Le Mans for Aston Martin
Bruce McLaren becomes F1's youngest winner at Sebring, aged 22
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