Academy Award winner and salad dressing king Paul Newman shares a passion for speed and despite being 82 years old, is still actively competing in SCCA sanctioned auto racing. After appearing in the film “Winning” back in 1969, Newman developed an interest in amateur racing has been competing since the early seventies. Today he drives in the GT-1 class and his race car of choice is the Chevrolet Corvette.
This weekend Newman will be competing at the 60th Annual Glen Nationals at Watkins Glen International. Test day was Friday and driving the #82 Corvette, a reference to his age, Newman drove a best lap of 1:55.7, which was a half second off the time posted by his 62 year old teammate Mike Brockman, also driving a Corvette.
Paul is no stranger to the winners circle. Just this year he has scored one pole, two SCCA regional-class wins and a second place finish. Newman has won four amateur national championships, the last being in 1986 and in 1995, at 70 years old, became the oldest driver to win at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Newman’s crew chief, Bill Lloyd says “His competitors are amazed at how quick he is at his age. He’s an inspiration for a lot of drivers, both young and old.”
Newman’s #82 Corvette produces 640 horsepower and has a top speed of 185 mph. In addition to car’s number referencing his age, his trademark initials “PLN” (Paul Leonard Newman) are scripted above the door.
Update: Paul finished in 4th position at the Glen Nationals. He had his work cut out for him after his cool suit failed. His racing team mate, Mike Brockman finished in second place just 10.410 seconds behind the 1st place finisher Simon Gregg. All three drove Corvettes…
Source
Star-Gazette.com
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