Paul Newman

[Nordic]

http://69.28.73.165/forums/viewthread/308781/

This seems to have passed me by, but Paul Newman is reported to be very ill with cancer and not expect to live more than a few months at most.

[mgmark]

I think confirmation of the news has surfaced only recently, with rumours being around since the start of the year. 

Quite aside from his history in films and a lot of charitable work, he has been deeply involved in racing as both driver and team owner - whatever else he has done in that field, coming second at Le Mans with Dick Barbour and Rolf Stommeln in an IMSA spec Porsche 935 in 1979 is no mean feat at thge age of 54.   
And entered the Daytona 24hrs in 1995 at the age of 70, where he won the Daytona IMSA GTS class.  And then co-drove in the 2005 Daytona 24hrs with Sebastien Bourdais and Michael Brockman in a Ford Crawford at the age of 80....

Hits legend status in my book

MG Mark

[chop456]

A legend, and will be missed.  His philanthropic work and complete lack of the typical "look at me" attitude found in most celebs make him stand head and shoulders above the rest.

He took the time to speak with our little group of Champ Car fans more than once, actually stopping by our camp of his own free will just to say that he'd seen us at multiple races and to thank us for supporting the series.  I don't think you'd find too many team owners that would do something like that.  Two years ago when the beer mountain pictured at left was under construction, he stopped to say that if he were 20 years younger, he'd be there helping us.  Completely without affectation and a man's man.

Good luck, Paul.

[Boorish Grobian]

During this weekends coverage of F1 from Valencia, Bob Varsha of Speed TV mentioned that Paul was at home surrounded by his family, and is very ill.  On a personal note, I had the great pleasure of sharing some conversation with PLN way back in 1982 over the Can-Am weekend at Mid-Ohio.  While he politely ignored all the people making fools of themselves to get the attention of Paul Newman the movie star, he was more than happy to sit & chat about the Nissan 300ZX that he set a new class lap record at Hallett the week before.
As Chop said, a man's man, and a devoted fan of motor racing.  One see's many a celebrity at motor races, mostly those there to seen and fawned over.  Not Paul Newman, he knows the sport intimately, and loves and respects the history of it.  His friendship with Mario Andretti dates way back to the mid sixties when Mario drove Paul's "Honker" in the Can-Am series.
Fax

[chop456]

Mario drove Paul's "Honker" in the Can-Am series.

[Nordic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7639614.stm

Paul Newman has sadly died.

[mgmark]

It seemed earlier that it was to come soon, and sadly it has.  But a good, long life, with a passion for motor racing to boot.  A good man, farewell. 

MG Mark

[Boorish Grobian]

Farewell to a great man and a superb ambassador for motor racing.
Godspeed PLN.
Fax

[Rhino]

What a great life. Films, Motorsport and making millions for charity.

Thankyou and rest in peace.

[Andy Zarse]

Well I guess it'll be old pal Hotchner chained to the stove alone from now on.

What a great guy, $200m raised for charity, action films, a happy family life, an Oscar, second at Le mans, owning a championship winning Indy team etc etc... Shoot, it don't get much better than that!

Fax might have more details, but am I right in thinking that PLN and Jay Haas though Nigel Mansell was a tosser?

[jpchenet]

A great loss to the world and to motor racing!!

RIP Paul

[Doris]

OMG!  Where am I going to get my salad dressings from now? 

Dx

[Boorish Grobian]

Doris, do not fear, I'm fairly certain they'll still be available.  The Mrs & I celebrated the life of PLN by sharing and good bottle of hooch, and watching Cool Hand Luke last night.
Andy, on the subject of Mansell, to be honest I never heard PLN express a opinion of Mansell one way or another, which in its own way may speak volumes, as he had nothing but admiration for his other drivers.
However, having spoken with several guys who worked at Newman/Haas when Mansell was there , to a man, if there is a degree of respect for Mansell the driver, there is universal contempt for Mansell the man.
Fax

[jimclark]

Thanks for everything, PLN.     

[nickliv]

He was Mrs livs second favourite man. (Although I may have put a bit of spin on that )

He did more in one life than most could manage in 5.

RIP, and paul, if you can hear me, well done.