Joe Bonnier takes the checkered flag on his victory lap in the Maserati 250F Grand Prix car. This race was the culmination of hard work by Cam Argetsinger and the people of Watkins Glen. The goal was to host a world championship F1 race and creating the Libre format was the first step.

Bonnier did not have it easy as Gurney in the Ferrari sports car chased him the entire race finishing just over 1 minute behind.

Bonnier was a bona fide International star. The 250F Maserati was one of the great F1 cars of that era. It was a big deal to have them at Watkins Glen.

A very young Bruce Kessler finished 3rd behind Bonnier and Dan Gurney in this big 860 Monza Ferrari.

Another shot of Bruce Kessler. Bruce was good friends with Lance Reventlow and James Dean. We’re not exactly sure how he got his license at such a young age, but he did. Later Bruce went on to a highly successful career as a film maker.

Phil Hill wrestles the big Ferrari around the last turn. Hill would start on the front row but would break an axle on lap 60 of the 80 lap race.

Ritchie Ginther (L) works over Hill’s Ferrari motor prior to the race.

Hill sits in the Ferrari trying to warm the motor. Note the cloth stuffed into the grille to get some heat.

Hill listens to Ginther as they head to the grid. Llyod Ruby’s Maserati Corvette #112 behind. Ruby would DNF.

Phil Hill. In 1958 the BARCBOYS did not have great cameras. But a high speed shot of Hill as he starts up the hill.

Pit marshals inspect Hills abandoned Ferrari. It was a cold, cloudy day at the Glen and you can see the mud on the Ferrari.

Another high speed blurred shot of Constantine’s Aston starting the climb.

The beautiful and new Aston Martin DBR2 of George Constantine blew a head gasket and was a dnf.

Loyal Katskee’s D Jag with a Corvette engine heads out of the paddock. I think the same policemen in the same yellow slickers worked the Glen for years after.

Phil Hill, hands in pocket is wondering why he left sunny California. Friend, driver and mechanic Richie Ginther stands next to their weekend car. NO, there weren’t any smart phones in 1958 so he is not checking Facebook.

A worried spectator gets quickly out of the way as the green flag drops. That’s Dan Gurney in the Ferrari #3. Gurney finished 2nd and the only car on the lead lap with Bonnier.

The sun appeared just at the start. Hill’s Ferrari is that wonderful Ferrari red. Tex Hopkins, the race starter, in his lavender suit strolls past.

We knew #22 as The Sadler Special which on the Glen Classic earlier in 1958. Today it was known as the Nisonger Special and driven by Bob Said but did not finish. Bob is the father of Boris Said.

The program for the 1959 Formula Libre race

1959 was cold but better than ‘58 with a bigger field including those pesky USAC midgets which proved fast earlier in the year at Lime Rock. But nobody could come close to Sir Stirling Moss in his Cooper Climax F1 car.

Sir Stirling heads out adorned with the winners wreath and the checkered flag. A great day for Watkins Glen.

Moss in his typical head back, arms out straight and putting the car on the perfect line. When Moss’ car would finish, most often he won.

Moss laps Sy Kaback’s 2 liter Lotus 15. Moss was so dominant he lapped the second place car 7 times.

Another shot of the intense concentration of the master.

Eddie Johnson’s very fast offy leads Jim Shaffer’s midget. Shaffer would finish 13th, Johnson would have a fabulous finish behind Moss in second place.

Canadian Harry Entwistle’s 2 liter Lotus finished 3rd.

Ed Johnson’s very fast midget races Entwhistle’s Lotus for 2nd place. The midget would prevail to take 2nd.

Moss was constantly besieged by people. Here some guy wants to give Moss his card while on the grid.

Another glad handler, but in an Esso jacket shakes Moss’ hand. Stirlings bemused expression says it all.

It’s finally time and Stirling climbs into his raCER. No doubt happy to get down to the business of winning a race.

Bob Harkey’s black #58 leads Jim Shaffer’s yellow #77 as they go past, we think, Bob McLain on the long front straight.

Tom Greatorex Elva MkIII did well finishing 4th.

Gaston “Gus” Andrey drove a 300S Maserati. Gus had problems but managed to bring the Maserati home 5th.

Jiggs Peters Offy Midget was second of the midgets, finishing 6th.

Ed Leavens Elva Formula Junior was simply over-matched but finished a respectable 10th.

Bruce Boyle and Joe Grimaldi co drove this D Jag. Why the entire front bodywork is off, we don’t know. It stayed out to finish 12th.