From The Archives
(International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen newsletter) - November 2006

Review of Equations of Motion in the From The Archives newsletter by Cameron Argetsinger

Milliken in Motion

William F. Milliken"s autobiography, "Equations of Motion," is a marvelously entertaining read, all 658 pages. It is the remarkable story of a remarkable man.

Bill"s editor, the estimable Beverly Rae Kimes, notes: "Bill"s life has been one of unrelenting adventure together with risk and innovation as the subtitle of the book aptly states. For Bill risk was part of the adventure with innovation as the logical successor."

Bill has received numerous national awards for his achievements both in aviation and motor racing. His chapters on flying are high adventure. But what makes it an important book to us here at the Center is Bill"s personal 60-year history of motor racing.

It will serve as the textbook to scholars of the sport.

Milliken has raced in over 120 races including the first Watkins Glen, Sebring, Mt.Eguinox and Pike"s Peak, analyzing each performance and applying technigues he developed at Cornell Aeronautical Lab. These experiences served as a prelude to the establishment of Milliken Research Associates, a firm that has a worldwide reputation for assisting racing organizations and manufacturers.

I met Bill Milliken in May 1948 at Indianapolis. My life is enriched by it. That May weekend turned out to be a landmark date in motor racing when SCCA members endorsed support of a race at Watkins Glen in the fall.

lt seems every weekend of that summer either Bill, SCCA technical chairman, and his Cornell Aeronautical staff would come to Watkins Glen or I would go to Buffalo. We were writing the rules and regulations for the 1948 Grand Prix.

Bill had raced at Pike"s Peak and had a copy of the AAA entry form, which we modified extensively for sports car racing. In the course of the summer I discovered Bill was a hell of a driver, an engineering genius and an amusing conversationalist. After we worked, we talked into the wee hours about everything from engine performance to Wellesley women. The boy from Old Town, Maine, is a sophisticated man.

Friends from the beginning, we also shared cars. In 1949 I raced his Type 35 Bugatti in which he made Milliken"s Corner famous in 1948. In 1960 we codrove my Alfa to a respectable finish in the Sebring 12-Hour.

In 1961, when the eyes of the motor racing world were on Watkins Glen, I had no hesitation in making Bill the Clerk of the Course for our first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. I knew he was savvy and would be tough and fair.

I recommend the book for every motor racing collection. Bill has arranged with Bentley Publishers that books sold through the Center will in part benefit our work here. Call us or send us an e-mail for a copy.

We were delighted that Bill launched his book at the Center"s February Conversation series. An audience of more than 100 fans from all over the Northeast came to hear Bill. They came early and stayed late. They just wanted to be around him. A man who is immortalized in a 50-foot mural on the side of a building in Watkins Glen, he"s been a folk hero in the village since 1948.

Now, as someone said, he"s a rock star. I am not surprised.

-Cameron Argetsinger

Review of Equations of Motion in the From The Archives newsletter by Cameron Argetsinger