Briggs Swift Cunningham, an icon of American road racing, died Wendesday of complications related to Alzheimers Disease in Las Vegas at the age of 96. Cunningham was at the forefront of the rebirth of road racing in America following World War II, and was renowned as a sportsman of the highest caliber. He represented America superbly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the 1950s and 60s as a driver and team owner, both with cars bearing his own name and others. His induction this year into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega, Ala., was richly deserved and long overdue. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura, of Las Vegas, son Briggs S. Cunningham III of Danville, Ky., daughters Lucie McKinney of Green Farms, Conn., and Cythlen Maddock of Palm Beach, Fla., stepsons Bill Elmer and Joe Elmer, 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren Services will be held on at 2:30 p.m. on August 8 at the Pacific View Cemetery, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar, Calif. The family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers. See full obit/column at vintagemotorsport.com .(7-3-2003)
