Posted by Wayne Parham [ 70.234.131.1 ] on September 29, 2008 at 18:54:27:
I'm really sad that Paul newman died. I remember in the early 1980's, I used to go to Hallet race track. Lots of big names ran there in the SCCA and IMSA sanctioned races. People like Peter Gregg and David Hobbs tore up the track, setting records and making names for themselves.
There was always one of two Hollywood celebrities that would race. Tom Cruise is a recent example. These guys were competitive at all, it's almost like they just wanted to be able to say they did it. Or maybe they're just having fun, I don't know. I remember seeing James Browlin out on the track, season after season, driving so slowly around the track we all used to joke you could outrun him on a tricycle. The guy was really just taking a Sunday drive, getting in everyone's way. Damn near dangerous to have those Hollywood types on the track.
When Paul Newman started racing, at first I thought he would be just another Hollywood girly-man taking a leisurely drive around the track. No way. This guy was competitive, he drove his car. Not only that, but he started winning. I'd say he was an exception, an exceptional man, and I was always impressed with him.
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