James Hunt (l) Patrick Tambay (c) and Patrick Depailler (r) all went on to solid Formula 1 careers, with Hunt becoming World Driving Champion in 1976, just 6 weeks after his legendary race against Gilles Villeneuve.

The streets of Trois-Rivieres have seen their share of legendary drivers compete in the oldest street race in North America. RaceCanada will take a short look at many of those who have competed in the famed race over the past 45 years.

Today, it's drivers that went on to make a name for themselves in Formula One.

James Hunt
Born on August 29, 1947 in Belmont, England, he died on June 15, 1993 in Wimbledon, England. While James Hunt only took part in one Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres, it was one of the most important races in Canadian history, with Hunt losing decisively to Gilles Villeneuve. 6 weeks after finishing second to Villenueve, Hunt went on to clinch the 1976 Formula One World Driving Championship at the controversial 1976 Japanses Grand Prix.

Hunt spoke so highly of Villeneuve to the management of his Formula One team, Marlboro Team McLaren, that the team gave Villeneuve his first start in Formula One the following season at the British Grand Prix. Although Villeneuve made only one start with McLaren, his duel with Hunt in Trois-Rivieres launched Villeneuve to Formula One stardom. 

Patrick Depailler
Born on august 9th 1944 in Clermont-Ferrand , France, Depailler was tragically killed driving an Alfa Romeo during practice for the 1980 Greman Grand Prix. Depailler spent 7 seasons in Formula One, principally with Tyrell, but also a season each with Ligier and Alfa Romeo.

Depailler made his first apperance at Trois-Rivieres in 1974 and went on to score 1 pole, 2 wins and 4 fastest race laps in his Formula One career and has a grand stand at Trois-Rivieres named after him. 

Patrick Tambay
Born on june 25 in Paris, he participated in a number of races in Trois-Rivieres in Formula Atlantic & Can-Am series, including a Can Am win in 1980.

Tambay was very popular in Trois-Rivières, where he first met Gilles Villeneuve. The 2 became great friends, so much so that Gilles asked Tambay to be the godfather of his son Jacques.

In 1982, Tambay took Villeneuve's place in the Ferrari team, after his friends' death. In his Formula One career, Tambay won twice, grabbed 5 poles and set two fastestlaps.