The September 2000 issue of Vintage Racecar Journal & Market Report has a 4
page interview with Morton. Their # is 714-236-8676 Here's a short part of
the article.
As you may know he started by going to the Shelby Racing School because he
liked cars. The school car was Cobra CSX02000 (the first one ever built).
Pete Brock was the only instructor. When John met Shelby for the first time
he asked him for a job. Morton ended up as a go-for.
In '64 Shelby gave Morton and 2 friends $25 (each) to drive to Sebring to
help out with the team. Shelby entered 5 cars but only had 9 drivers. But
they were sure one or two would drop out so they didn't think they would
need more drivers.
After 3 hours no one had dropped out and Ken Miles couldn't drive 12 hours
straight. Morton was asked to drive. His experience was 1 year in a Super
7 and didn't even have an FIA license. Ken Miles wrote a note saying John
was OK which got him his license. He bought a driver's suit at the track
for $15 and borrowed a motorcycle racer's helmet. With no practice time in
the Cobra he went racing.
The article doesn't say how they did.
Dick Ryan ex. 24022
(650)312-4022
Risk Management Dept.
SM 2000/2
FAX (650)312-5830
Hate to sound like an idiot, but who the hell is John Morton?
Enlighten me please.
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