schneiderism

I awoke to sad news this morning, that Paul Newman had died. There are several of his movies that I love, movies that truly represent the independent, driven energy that Newman brought to everything that he did. For me, though, it was his passion for racing that I found inspiring, ranking up there with James Dean and Steve McQueen who also shared this passion for going fast well. Paul Newman was a great actor, no doubt about it, but he was also an incredibly natural race car driver. He discovered this racing, and his talent for it, in the 1970’s. He went professional in 1977 racing and winning in a long, long list of events. One highlight would be his team’s second place finish at Le Mans in 1979 (that is Newman at Le Mans that year pictured above). On racing, Newman famously said:

”Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood.”

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

I think it would be hard not to respect Paul Newman. He embodied an integrity and love for life and family that provided a role model for a generation. He had a legendary sense of humor, an obvious devotion to his wife, and a lifelong desire to help others. He will be missed.

A commercial featuring Newman’s SCCA win in 1985 that I found and enjoyed: