Paul Newman: Just so you know...

[Homemade 911]

All,

This showed up in my inbox today...I had no idea - sad. I'm glad he was able to do this, though.

r/Thom

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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 !

God bless and thank you Paul.

Stonebridge Sports and Classics ltd
186 Grassy plain St
Bethel, CT.06801
(203)744-1120

[Homemade 911]

Mr. Newman out on course

[Homemade 911]

Mr. Newman with some friends...

[Homemade 911]

So long my friend...

[karlusmagnus]

Thanks Thom for posting.
Sad, yes, but thanks for posting.
If ever a fuss was justified, it would be for a talent such as his.
83/84 years old is a good age. Thanks for the memories.

[Mudi]

We all have defining moments.. Mine came at Brainerd in 1976 at 13. Won't forget the Datsun's ripping up the track. I met mr. newman in the paddock and totally got the bug.. A few years back i got to sit at a card table with Paul and Joanne during a CART party and kick his butt for a few minutes.. Great guy, great talent, great person..

[Mudi]

I had to dig to find the picture.. Joanne sat down next to him shortly after this. Taken at Runway Maddness, 2002 in Ontario, CA. He was quite nice about me beating him soundly..

[Bummler]

Saw Newman race his 510 Datsun in an SCCA regional at Willow in the mid 70's. He was stunningly fast and just one of the guys...

Stole this image from another site but this was the car...

[Gumby]

I have seen Paul race many times over the years at Line Rock, he was allways charging! great fun to watch... ...Ron

[Chuck Miller]

Have seen Paul Newman race about 3 times out here on the left coast. Always entered as P. L. Newman, always one of the guys, always VERY fast....

I heard him say that one of his most cherished racing accomplishments was winning the SCCA 'run offs' like 3 or 4 times in a row.... the best of the best in class of amateur racers....

Cheers P.L. Newman