It was too much for many to bear. Rindt had been scheduled to speak at the Glen s Onyx Club. He was wildly popular with Glen ticket holders who were appalled when the press reported that elements within the international sporting authority wished to block a posthumous World Championship. His fans made signs and placards. To them he had earned this championship even though he had not lived to see his ambitions realized.
Accomplishments live after the man or there is no history.
Ferrari won Italy and Canada. Lotus stayed home in shock or grief or perhaps disbelief. When Pedro Rodriguez s resurgent BRM ran out of fuel at Mosport, it promoted Ickx and put the Belgian within striking distance of Rindt s total. Ickx had to win at Watkins Glen and in Mexico to win the title by one point. Lotus returned for the money and to protect Rindt s title at Watkins Glen with 72s for Emerson Fittipaldi and Reine Wisell.