Sam Posey

Samuel Felton Posey (26 May 1944 - Present): American racing driver, author, and motorsport broadcaster who competed in two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix at the United States Grand Prix in 1971 and 1972, but who achieved greater success and recognition in American Formula 5000, Trans-Am, and Can-Am racing, and later as a respected television commentator. Born in the United States, Posey established himself as a versatile and talented driver on the North American racing scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He competed successfully in Formula 5000, Trans-Am Championship, and Can-Am sports car racing, demonstrating adaptability across different car categories and racing disciplines.

His American success brought him to the attention of John Surtees' Formula One team. Posey made his Formula One World Championship debut at the 1971 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen driving a works Surtees TS9. In practice, Surtees held a competition between Gijs van Lennep and Posey for Rolf Stommelen's car, ultimately selecting Posey. He qualified 18th and ran strongly during the race before retiring on lap 15 with a blown piston—a disappointing end to a promising run.

For the 1972 United States Grand Prix, Posey returned to Watkins Glen driving a customer Surtees TS9B in a privateer entry rather than a factory team car. He qualified 23rd and finished 12th, failing to score championship points. This marked his final Formula One appearance, with two starts and one finish yielding zero points. Posey's brief Formula One career was typical of American drivers of the era who made occasional appearances at the U.

S. Grand Prix without committing to full European campaigns. After his driving career concluded, Posey found his true calling as a motorsport broadcaster and author. He worked extensively for ABC Sports and later Speedvision (which became SPEED Channel), becoming one of American motorsport television's most articulate and knowledgeable commentators. His intelligent, thoughtful broadcast style and deep understanding of racing earned him respect among fans and fellow professionals.

Posey also authored several books about motorsport and pursued interests in art and architecture, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity and varied talents that characterized his life beyond racing. His contributions to motorsport journalism and broadcasting have arguably exceeded his impact as a racing driver. Known for: Broadcasting motorsport for ABC Sports and SPEED Channel, competing in two Formula One races at Watkins Glen in 1971 and 1972, achieving success in American Formula 5000 and Trans-Am racing, authoring books about motorsport, and becoming one of American racing's most respected television commentators.