published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Former 12 Hours winner Moss recovering from bad fall

By BARRY FOSTER

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING -- Former 12 Hours of Sebring winner and Sebring Hall of Fame member Stirling Moss reportedly is recovering from injuries suffered when he fell down an elevator shaft at his London home this past weekend. According to reports, the doors opened although the elevator itself was on the floor above.

Moss plummeted three stories, suffering a broken ankle plus damage to his vertebrae and feet. Officials at Princess Grace Hospital say the injuries are not life threatening.

The driving champion said he was chatting with family members and didn't notice the lift was not on the proper floor.

"Sebring International Raceway is wishing Sir Stirling Moss a speedy recovery from his recent mishap. As a Sebring Hall of Fame inductee, he holds a special place in our history," said SIR President and General Manager Tres Stephenson. "The entire racing community looks forward to seeing him back at the track as soon as possible."

Moss is regarded among the greatest drivers in motorsports history. His legendary career of over 190 victories includes 16 Formula One Grand Prix wins.

The British racing champion may best be remembered for his 1953 drive in the Briggs Cunningham-owned OSCA MT4 with Bill Lloud to win the 12 Hours.

Moss took the lead in the final hour, overtaking the Lancia team and its legendary drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio and Alberto Ascari. The underpowered OSCA did not even break into the top 10 until the fifth hour.

Moss then began a spectacular charge to the front, passing an Austin Healey 100, two Lancias and a Ferrari.

In 2009, Moss was inducted into the Sebring Racing Hall of Fame along with Caroll Shelby, Mario Andretti and Bobby Rahal.