I never met Paul Newman (though an ex had brunch with him on the Cape once - that's as close as I ever got), but we do share something - the love of a fast lap. David Hobbs commented last week that had Newman chosen racing over acting he would have likely been a champion. As it stands, not only is he one of the greatest actors (and humans) to walk the earth, he was a pretty good racer as well. And now at age 83, nearing the end of a fight with lung cancer, he's going out on his own terms. Earlier this month he took his Corvette GT1 out for some hot laps at Lime Rock. Funny that last week I was watching hot laps at Laguna Seca, but this time just spectating. At least a bike (BMW R1200GS) was my transport. I think he would have approved. As for the laps, I'll be back. And Newman will be battling with Phil Hill, Senna, and others at some point down the line. We all will some day...but Newman will be able to keep up. God speed.
