Paul Newman takes last laps......damn...

[bmw1602.com]

Dam alot of bad news lately, altough this one is good news in a certain way.

He is quite the inspiration for me, I wish him good luck on his journey....

"Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Lime Rock Park was closed down for an hour and

half today to honor Paul Newman. He was attended

by his family, close friends, Skip Barber, mechanics

on his race team, and those who happened to be at

the track. PLN toured the track in his Corvette race

car with his Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon

following. He had come to say goodbye. Diagnosed

with terminal cancer he is not expected to live beyond

September. Race driver, actor, humanitarian, family

man and friend, they did not come any better."

Labels: Paul Newman

LimeRock was closed down today Wednesday for an hour and a half so Paul Newman could take a few last laps there in his GT1 Corvette and say goodbye. He was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago and is not expected to make it past September.

Hearing this has left a sick feeling in my stomach. Newman was and will always be one of my racing hero's. Bob Sharp Racing being our local "big race team" and the fact that my Dad raced with Bob Sharp back when he was racing Sprites in G Production in the 60's was my "connection" When Bob got the Datsun deal and showed up at LimeRock with those Red White and Blue 510's, it really but the bug in me for racing. I was a bit too young to remember the Datsun Roadsters but for some reason the 510's made a big impression on me. When I was 7 years old in 1972 my Dad and I walked into the old timing tower at the Glen and met up with Bob and Paul who were standing there eating peanuts. My dad said to say hello to Mr. Sharp and Mr. Newman They drive the Red White and Blue cars you like so much. All I could do is stand there and stare. Newman said hi, took my hand and filled it up with peanuts and said "have some, there good for ya". From that moment on all I could think about is driving race cars and someday having my own Red White and Blue 510. It was one of those defining moments in your life that you will never forget. 32 years later at the 2004 LimeRock National I drove my first GT race in a 77 Datsun 200SX. Newman was the first GT1 car to lap me. As he went past I gave him the thumbs up and he did the same to me. Surreal !

[Lars]

I didn't know he had terminal cancer. That really sucks. I too have always liked him. Glad he is still having some fun though.

[Grover]

That's really sad, although I guess if life is judged by how much fun and success you've had, his must be considered a pretty good life.

I "met" Paul Newman in around 1984 when I was 12. I went to Sears Point to watch a friends dad race in an old Triumph Spitfire. On the same day, Paul Newman was there racing a Porsche 944 I think. Even though he was swamped in the pit area, he took amoment to shake my outstretched hand and exchange a smile. A cool guy in my book.

[jlandreth]

I also met Mr. Newman during,I believe,his first year of racing with BRE. We jogged the track at Nelson's Ledges together.He was quiet,modest,and a gentleman.

[02fanatic]

Thanks for the update...Paul has been on my mind - not knowing how well he is doing. I suspected the worst, although I think it's awesome that he took a lap or two in the Vette!

He is a wonderful human being & one true "car guy" for sure!

[Harv]

Well, at least he's getting to do a few things before the end.

I too remember seeing him around Lime Rock back in the 80's. He will be missed.

On a bright note...Happiness is Anna and a Fig Newman.

John

[Schweineback]

That man has been my biggest film hero since forever. I didn't he was terminally ill. This is very sad. I'll miss Cool Hand a lot!!

[Guest]

That man is all class. The new generation of "publicity stars" don't quite measure up. chris

[flybmw02]

I have had the pleasure to race with Paul Newman many times over the last 10 or so years or should I say point him by in his GT-1 car I am no contest with my GT-3 car. He's a real gentelmen on and off the track . I was very happy to here he ran Lime Rock again it has been repaved and is much improved. He has done so much good for so many people. We will all miss Paul.

John Forte

[visionaut]

Mr. Newman is as classy as one can get, in all he's ever done, and a true racer to the core. Paul 'groks' cars, and always has. All the best to him...

Tom

[scestes]

The world needs more people like Paul.