Autoblog

Judging from how a generation of thirty-somethings have images of a flying, fusion-powered DeLorean imprinted in their DNA, we'd say that Back To The Future has left its mark. Likewise, Highland Green '68 Mustang fastbacks only look appropriate wearing American Racing Torq-Thrust Ds and flying through the air. Bullitt might not have quite as broad an influence since it wasn't a comedy, but it's touched at least two generations of car nuts and sparked two commemorative edition cars. Because of the cultural significance of these films, they've been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for preservation in perpetuity.

BTTF and Bullitt are but two of a total of 25 great films that the National Film Preservation Board and the Librarian of Congress have chosen as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The list this year includes greats from a variety of genres, though it's still a little strange to think of Marty McFly's character being as deep as Humphrey Bogart's lead in fellow nominee "In a Lonely Place." Bullitt's 11-minute car chase was certainly the most talked about aspect of the film, but the tense cop drama was also well acted and has a superb score. Back To The Future's special effects really pushed the envelope, while the underlying story proved portable through two sequels sharing the same basic plot. It's quite a gift to car guys and children of the '80s who've wanted to have a badass green Mustang and a sleek (if not fast) DeLorean parked next to each other in the garage to see these two films topping the list, but the 23 other films named to the register are just as worthwhile. Our Saturday nights will be wrapped up for a while working through the movies named. We'll start with Bullitt, though.

[Source: Library of Congress]

Accomplished race driver, living legend and patriarch of a veritable racing dynasty Mario Andretti is being honored by the Italian government with the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana. The prestigious award will be presented on October 23 by Consul-General Antonio Bandini at the New York Columbus Citizens Foundation.

To say Mario is an accomplished driver is like saying the Pope is Catholic. Andretti has won the Formula 1 driver's world title, the Indy Car championship (four times), the USAC national dirt track championship, the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 and the 12 Hours of Sebring (three times), to name a few. To top that he's been named Driver of the Year spanning three decades, not to mention Driver of the Century.

His son Michael, head of Andretti-Green Racing, and grandson Michael Marco, IRL rookie of the year, will be there for the ceremony as well.

Word has it the Commendatore can't refuse a favor on this, the day of his decoration, so better get in line. Just kidding... felicitazioni, Mario!

[Source: Sports Car Market]

Pierre DuPasquier, who retired (pun intended) as Michelin's racing chief at the end of the 2005 season, will be awarded the French Legion d'Honneur in December for his immeasurable contribution to French motorsport.

DuPasquier started his career as a fighter pilot in the French Air Force. He joined Michelin's research department in 1962, then took on the role of negotiator and liaison between the tire manufacturer and carmakers using their product. He was named chief of the competition department in 1973 and (aside from a six-year interlude as product development VP for Michelin in the US) he remained in that position, a dominant force in world motorsport until his retirement last year.

Under his leadership, Michelin-equipped teams achieved thousands of victories and took about 180 titles in a wide variety of motorsports on two wheels and four, including almost 30 in rallying, 55 in motorcycle grand prix racing, 11 in Superbikes, 19 in the Cross Country Rally World Cup and seven in Formula One, having led Michelin into F1 in 1977 and again in 1999.

Felicitations, Pierre, on adding this last trophy to your cabinet!

[Source: GrandPrix.com]