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I read an interview with Newman shortly before he dies--I think in Car and Driver. s always, he was extremely modest. He said he never thought he was that good a driver, but that he won because he always had the best equipment. One of my all-time idols, along with Dan Gurney, who had equal modesty and class.
I saw Newman race at Summit Point in the 80s. There was a crowd outside his trailer, but they were respectful. At one point he swatted a fly against the window, noticed us out side, and kind of gave a wave. Friendly, but obviously focused on the racing. That was an interesting weekend. Newman won from the pole in his Nissan Z car, and some unknown phenom named Michael Andretti won the Formula Ford race in a walk.
Saw him at Indy in 2010--his last before he died, I think. It was a rain delay, and we were walking around the infield. He went by on a golf cart. I said hi, and again he gave that big smile and a wave. Very cool guy.
I like it when celebrities race. It's good for the sport.
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