Popular U.S. driver
Followers of Formula Pacific racing in this country will be saddened to learn of the recent death of the popular American driver, Mike Rosen.
The 25-year-old Californian died suddenly on May 7 while on holiday in Fiji. Rosen became known here after he teamed with an expatriate New Zealander, Dave McMillan, for the 1982 International Formula Pacific series. Rosen was not an immediate pace-setter, preferring to learn the strange circuits and car settings under McMillan’s eager guidance. Such was Rosen’s enthusiasm for the New
Zealand racing scene that he returned the next season and became the only American to contest two consecutive Pacific championships. Having a wealthy family enabled Rosen to begin a career in motorsport at a very early age. He began with motocross riding and at the age of 12 he was national champion. In 1981 he turned professional and was managed by Dave White, formerly of Christchurch. but now based in Los Angeles.
Rosen also raced for the Garvin Brown team and competed in Super Vee races in the United States.
His best results in New Zealand came in 1983, when he finished second at BayPark. near Mount Maunganui. and third in the Lady Wigram trophy race. The same year he finished sixth over all in the North American Cup for Formula Mondial.
At the time of his death. Rosen was making plans to return to New Zealand to race in the forthcoming Pacific Series in December. When not racing he was a business executive. A friendly and approachable young man. Mike Rosen will be sadly missed by competitors and spectators alike. GEORGE TANNER
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Bibliographic details
Press, 25 May 1984, Page 15
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270Popular U.S. driver Press, 25 May 1984, Page 15
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