CARACCIOLA, RUDOLF

born Jan. 30, 1901, Remagen, Ger. died Sept. 28, 1959, Kassel, W.Ger. German automobile-racing driver who was one of the most successful and versatile of modern times. He participated in hill climbs and speed trials as well as races. Caracciola began racing in 1922 and from 1923, except for a brief period, drove on the Mercedes team. He won more than 100 races and was European champion (1935, 193738). He won his first Grand Prix race in 1926 (the German) and a total of 28 during his career. He also won the European Mountain (hill climb) Championship three straight years (193032). His driving skill in wet weather won him the nickname Regenmeister (Rain Master). Severe injury in a sports-car race accident in 1952 ended his driving career.