RIP-Paul Newman

LEADERS EDGE · 9/27/08, 11:19 AM

I'm sure most of you have already seen that he passed.

I realize his passing has nothing to do with sprint cars or the local Indiana scene, but I feel it is very noteworthy. In a way(many ways),Indianapolis had a very profound influence on his life and gave him his introduction to racing. It became a life long passion for him and he loved what the Indy 500 stands for and what it represents.

His passion for racing was obvious with his driving in the sports cars and owning Indy cars, but he loved all forms of racing and his trips to Sprint Car schools and going to Saturday Night Races is well documented.

I only met him once as I was trying to get an autograph from him to complete my collection of signitures in the "Fast Masters" program. He and Ted Hollingsworth gave me the "Heisman", but that was alright as I knew he didn't sign. He was very kind though. I just hoped to catch him at the right time.

In a way, while his signiture would make the program more valuable, it really wouldn't have been authentic.

For many people over the years he represented the essence of cool,others he represented the best that can come from giving, but to me he was probably as hard core of a racer as anyone and losing him is a loss for the entire racing community.

9/27/08, 11:31 AM

Your mention of him going to driving schools brought back the foggy memory that he once drove a sprint car at Putnamville during Kevin Thomas' Dirt Track Workshops program. I'm pretty sure I remember knowing that at one point and, if I remember correctly, it was in the early 90s.

Sad to see such a great actor, racer and all-around cool guy go.

RacinFool · 9/27/08, 11:57 AM

I recall that he took one out at ascot in the 80's.RIP to a fellow racer.:checkered:

Jerry Shaw · 9/27/08, 12:04 PM

This man was a legend, in so many respects. Not only as an actor and American cultural icon, but also as supporter of motor sports and probably most importantly, as a philanthropist. There are very few people that have dedicated their life to giving back to those less fortunate than themself, than did Paul Newman.:crying:

Jerry

9/27/08, 12:15 PM

I met Paul at Perris Auto Speedway back in 1997 or 1998, when he hotlapped Ron Shuman's Texaco #2, and I know he did some time at Cory Kruseman's school (bringing his entire Indy Car team for a good time), so that makes this a sprint car thread...

Even in his 70's it was amazing how crystal blue his eyes were. He was a pretty cool cat even in his twilight years. Very engaging, but guarded at the same time. He was a supreme acting talent, a great humanitarian, and a true friend to the sport of auto racing. May he rest in peace...

DM

Jerry Shaw · 9/27/08, 1:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Millsvideo

I met Paul at Perris Auto Speedway back in 1997 or 1998, when he hotlapped Ron Shuman's Texaco #2, and I know he did some time at Cory Kruseman's school (bringing his entire Indy Car team for a good time), so that makes this a sprint car thread...

Even in his 70's it was amazing how crystal blue his eyes were. He was a pretty cool cat even in his twilight years. Very engaging, but guarded at the same time. He was a supreme acting talent, a great humanitarian, and a true friend to the sport of auto racing. May he rest in peace...

DM

That's an excellent observation. Newman's eyes were definitely his trademark. Through the years, when you looked at him, you saw someone who not only had that air of greatness about him, but also someone who looked at his World with the amazement and wonder of a small child. And that is definitely one of things that set him apart from almost everyone else. He will truly be missed.

Jerry

ronmil · 9/27/08, 3:35 PM

I don't think I can say it any better than what has already been said. I enjoyed his movies, his food products, and watching his exploits on the track. I will definitely miss him.

RIP, Paul

Gregg · 9/27/08, 5:51 PM

Newman gave back more then he ever got...Hole in the Wall Gang, Newman's Own ect. I am sad to see him go. Only fitting that he passes a few months after one of his biggest fans, namely my mom. And did I mention he left us with some very great movies; Cool Hand Luke, The Sting, Sombody Up there Like Me, Butch and Sundance, ...,The list goes on and on.

What a great life.

Charles Nungester · 9/27/08, 7:26 PM

Thanks Paul Newman for lots of great memories in many different catagories and for your humanitarian efforts as well.

RIP
Chuck

9/27/08, 12:04 PM	#4 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
Jerry Shaw Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 4,728	This man was a legend, in so many respects. Not only as an actor and American cultural icon, but also as supporter of motor sports and probably most importantly, as a philanthropist. There are very few people that have dedicated their life to giving back to those less fortunate than themself, than did Paul Newman.:crying: Jerry __________________ A man is about as big as the things that make him angry. Winston Churchill _________________________________________________ Last edited by Jerry Shaw; 9/27/08 at 12:08 PM.

9/27/08, 3:35 PM	#7 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
ronmil Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 48 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 18,798	I don't think I can say it any better than what has already been said. I enjoyed his movies, his food products, and watching his exploits on the track. I will definitely miss him. RIP, Paul __________________ Ron Miller

9/27/08, 7:26 PM	#9 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
Charles Nungester Senior Member Race Count This Year: 6 Race Count Last Year: 14 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 22,012	Thanks Paul Newman for lots of great memories in many different catagories and for your humanitarian efforts as well. RIP Chuck __________________ Charles Nungester

9/27/08, 11:19 AM	#1 RIP-Paul Newman
LEADERS EDGE Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 980	I'm sure most of you have already seen that he passed. I realize his passing has nothing to do with sprint cars or the local Indiana scene, but I feel it is very noteworthy. In a way(many ways),Indianapolis had a very profound influence on his life and gave him his introduction to racing. It became a life long passion for him and he loved what the Indy 500 stands for and what it represents. His passion for racing was obvious with his driving in the sports cars and owning Indy cars, but he loved all forms of racing and his trips to Sprint Car schools and going to Saturday Night Races is well documented. I only met him once as I was trying to get an autograph from him to complete my collection of signitures in the "Fast Masters" program. He and Ted Hollingsworth gave me the "Heisman", but that was alright as I knew he didn't sign. He was very kind though. I just hoped to catch him at the right time. In a way, while his signiture would make the program more valuable, it really wouldn't have been authentic. For many people over the years he represented the essence of cool,others he represented the best that can come from giving, but to me he was probably as hard core of a racer as anyone and losing him is a loss for the entire racing community.

9/27/08, 11:31 AM	#2 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
Fisher79 Posts: n/a	Your mention of him going to driving schools brought back the foggy memory that he once drove a sprint car at Putnamville during Kevin Thomas' Dirt Track Workshops program. I'm pretty sure I remember knowing that at one point and, if I remember correctly, it was in the early 90s. Sad to see such a great actor, racer and all-around cool guy go.

9/27/08, 11:57 AM	#3 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
RacinFool Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 612	I recall that he took one out at ascot in the 80's.RIP to a fellow racer.:checkered:

9/27/08, 12:15 PM	#5 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
Millsvideo Posts: n/a	I met Paul at Perris Auto Speedway back in 1997 or 1998, when he hotlapped Ron Shuman's Texaco #2, and I know he did some time at Cory Kruseman's school (bringing his entire Indy Car team for a good time), so that makes this a sprint car thread... Even in his 70's it was amazing how crystal blue his eyes were. He was a pretty cool cat even in his twilight years. Very engaging, but guarded at the same time. He was a supreme acting talent, a great humanitarian, and a true friend to the sport of auto racing. May he rest in peace... DM

9/27/08, 5:51 PM	#8 Re: RIP-Paul Newman
Gregg Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,941	Newman gave back more then he ever got...Hole in the Wall Gang, Newman's Own ect. I am sad to see him go. Only fitting that he passes a few months after one of his biggest fans, namely my mom. And did I mention he left us with some very great movies; Cool Hand Luke, The Sting, Sombody Up there Like Me, Butch and Sundance, ...,The list goes on and on. What a great life.