79 replies to this topic

[Frank S]

I must confess something that might be obvious from my photos: I'm a process person, rather than a results person. I enjoy photography - rather, photographing - and it is usually a matter of relative indifference to me what the physical outcome of the process actually looks like. Once an image is "committed to tangible medium" it's not likely to catch my attention again except in the rare instance it's become pertinent to some other, more current process.

Same with autographs. I have a few, beginning with Johnnie Parsons in his Indy-winning year: for an hour or more he sat on the back wheel of his midget after winning a race at Carrell Speedway, signing and handing-out 8x10 glossies and chatting with fans. I've shown the photo of Mario Andretti bicycling in the Riverside paddock just before I collared him to sign my "1978 World Championship" t-shirt. Phil Hill signed a t-shirt of Riverside Legends' names, as well as a number of photos of him in action, as seen in the Art Evans book Torrey Pines Remembered.

Carroll Shelby's signature must be one of the most numerous out there: he will sign nearly anything you send him - for a price. The money goes to his Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, a charity that helps meet the needs of young people with serious health problems. To be fair, he also is very generous with his autograph when he's attending a Shelby-friendly event such as a number of different Cobra and Mustang gatherings. I got an additional signature on my already-signed copy of Shelby Cars In Detail, at the 2008 Terlingua "Bull Run" gathering at Lajitas, Texas. I also cherish the note and "C" on the boiler-plate letter that came with my membership package when I enlisted in the "Terlingua Racing Team" in 1966.

I have worked side-by-side with Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant and several other renowned drivers at various races, but didn't ask for an autograph under those circumstances. I don't know why; it just seemed inappropriate to do so.

[E1pix]

I have worked side-by-side with Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant and several other renowned drivers at various races, but didn't ask for an autograph under those circumstances. I don't know why; it just seemed inappropriate to do so.

Though a lifetime autograph hunter, I too don't ask in cases like this. The drivers, or any celebrities, who recognize that courtesy often ask later if I'd like one anyway, allowing me to act like a rampant fan once more. Then both of us are pleased.

My wife was a flight attendant for 17 years, having hundreds of celebs on her flights over the years, pretty much from all walks of life. Once she had Jimmy Carter on, but turbulence belted all in so she couldn't ask the one question she was dying to ask.... "Would you like some peanuts, Mr. President?"

To my chagrin, yet my respect as well, she never asked for any autographs.... but one instance I cannot let her forget ( )....

She had Emmo, Theresa, and (she later thought) Christian Fittipaldi on a flight in the 1990s (many Indy Car people flew with her, she ran her schedule on Sunday nights out of those towns). My wife had Emmo's ticket stub from when he'd asked where to sit, emblazened with "E. Fittipaldi" and the name of my wife's employer on it. Being we were in the racing community, they spoke for quite some time, my wife jokingly offered Milk to Emmo and denied they had orange juice ( ) , and all was perfect for a signature on that stub. Instead, the flight ended all too soon, and out of habit my "smarter half" gave the stub back to Emmo.

How you say? Nooooooooooooo!

Edited by E1pix, 16 May 2011 - 00:13.

[michael84]

How Hard would it be for me to get the autographs of Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button,(or any past Mclaren driver) without paying a ridiculous price on ebay?

I havent been I huge autograph collector over the years but have now started collecting some for my sons.Im in australia but have never been to the Australian GP YET....its on the opposite side of the country.

Thanks for your Help

[Paul Rochdale]

Well, firstly, what an excellent, thought-provoking post, Paul !

Intrigued by the 1966 World Cup line - who are you missing if you don't mind me asking. Moreover, wonder if anybody has the final twenty-two...?

MCS
Thanks. Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore. And no, I didn't try for the entire squad ;-)

[Paul Rochdale]

How Hard would it be for me to get the autographs of Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button,(or any past Mclaren driver) without paying a ridiculous price on ebay?

Right, what I would do is to write/type personal letters to them both c/o the McLaren factory. The address will be on the net. I would get hold of somehow a photograph of each one to sign, alternatively a plain white postcard, plus an International Reply Coupon which you will be able to buy cheaply at your local Post Office. Enclose an addressed envelope too, then cross your fingers. This has often worked for me but times change.

Never, never, ever buy autographs except as a last resort. I did however once buy a Mike Hailwood autograph, an exception I know.

I discovered Mika Hakkinen's address in Monaco after trawling for ages on the Net. The postcard complete with 'Ball of Wool' arrived almost a year later. Celebrity addresses can be often found on dedicated websites.

Good luck and come back and tell us how you got on.

[Giraffe]

I think I've said before that I only have autographs I've collected myself for several reasons. I collected Jackie Stewart's elaborate moniker for the third time at Silverstone on Thursday, more that 40 years since the second time at which he most graciously pretended to be amused at!
Pre-internet/e-bay etc, I had occasion to encounter Bruce Springsteen almost weekly for a couple of years and he got fed up signing stuff for me & used to pull my leg about it. However I've yet to flog anything & probably won't.

[Giraffe]

MCS
Thanks. Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore. And no, I didn't try for the entire squad ;-)

When England beat Hungary at Wembley in 1981 to actually qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1966, I did try for the entire squad, & got them too!


By giraffe138 at 2011-05-17

[southcoast]

I'm still partial to an autograph ! From the DTM meeting at Brands Hatch in 2009

















Also got Adrien Tambay, Damon Hill, Josh Hill, Lewis Hamilton and Sam Bird. Don't worry, I still had plenty of time to watch the racing

[kayemod]

I'm still partial to an autograph ! From the DTM meeting at Brands Hatch in 2009

Looking at that lot, all of a sudden, Mika Hakkinen's "ball of wool" doesn't seem so bad...

[MCS]

A personal favourite:

[alfredaustria]

How Hard would it be for me to get the autographs of Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button,(or any past Mclaren driver) without paying a ridiculous price on ebay?

I havent been I huge autograph collector over the years but have now started collecting some for my sons.Im in australia but have never been to the Australian GP YET....its on the opposite side of the country.

Thanks for your Help

Well, I met both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at last year's Festival of Speed, Goodwood in Great Britain.
Last weekend I met Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari at the opening of the Red-Bull-Ring in Austria.
In my opinion it is the only chance to get autographs from actual racing drivers to attend such events, because it is nearly impossible to get autographs from F1-drivers at an Grand Prix.

If you don't have the chance to go to such events and exhibitions - I guess it is a good oportunity to buy these autographs on ebay.com from those collectors who were able to go there and are willing to offer their autographs, hopefully at reasonable prices.

[jj2728]

Looking at that lot, all of a sudden, Mika Hakkinen's "ball of wool" doesn't seem so bad...

That's for sure....

[Hieronymus]

Here is perhaps the rarest autograph in my modest collection:



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Hieronymus]

Right, what I would do is to write/type personal letters to them both c/o the McLaren factory. The address will be on the net. I would get hold of somehow a photograph of each one to sign, alternatively a plain white postcard, plus an International Reply Coupon which you will be able to buy cheaply at your local Post Office. Enclose an addressed envelope too, then cross your fingers. This has often worked for me but times change.

Never, never, ever buy autographs except as a last resort. I did however once buy a Mike Hailwood autograph, an exception I know.

I discovered Mika Hakkinen's address in Monaco after trawling for ages on the Net. The postcard complete with 'Ball of Wool' arrived almost a year later. Celebrity addresses can be often found on dedicated websites.

Good luck and come back and tell us how you got on.

Very valid advice!

Also two things one must never forget...PLEASE and THANK YOU. Those few words will bring you far in life.

[Paul Rochdale]

Looking at that lot, all of a sudden, Mika Hakkinen's "ball of wool" doesn't seem so bad...

Yes comparing the autographs of the 1981 footballers with that lot of scribble says a lot, doesn't it? I remember my first face-to-face F1 autograph request. It was at a Goodwood Festival of Speed event a few years ago and I had a collection of illustrated postcards bought from a shop behind the grandstand at Brands. Phil Hill was in his Ferrari waiting to go out, engine running, etc. I knew it wasn't a good time to ask him, his mind must have been on far more important things, and I worried what other spectators might have thought of me, but never the less I asked him and he calmly signed before joining the track. A gentleman.

I approached US motorcycle racer Gary Nixon as he left a briefing. Nice man. Then some boys asked me who he was. before running off to tell their Dad.

I won't list the private addresses of former F1 drivers here but leave that to enthusiasts to search for, but Jody Schekter has a well known farm, John Surtees can be contacted through his dealership in Edenbridge, Nelson Piquet owns or part owns the Jacquipagua (spelling) racing circuit, Jack Brabham can be contacted through his car dealership, Nigel Mansell has a golf course near Exeter, and so on. The enjoyment is in the searching and the icing on the cake is finally getting the signed photo/postcard. And yes please and thankyou in the covering letter is of the utmost importance in this and any other aspect of life.

TAKE CARE - Some signed photos have been stored in folders, others are in large frames on the wall of my study. Take the utmost care that these are out of direct sunlight as they will certainly fade in time. Nigel Mansell and Mike Hailwood were written in pale blue biro and have partially faded in the last ten years.

Edited by Paul Rochdale, 18 May 2011 - 07:52.

[MCS]

...Nigel Mansell and Mike Hailwood were written in pale blue biro and have partially faded in the last ten years.

Excellent point, Paul. The Roger Williamson picture I have posted was signed in blue biro and I can see it is fading. I keep it hidden away!

[ShadowDN1]

Excellent point, Paul. The Roger Williamson picture I have posted was signed in blue biro and I can see it is fading. I keep it hidden away!

Excellent signed photo,Roger was a big hero of mine,Where did you get it signed,never did get his autograph, was to shy as young lad to approach him!!
Anthony

[MCS]

Excellent signed photo,Roger was a big hero of mine,Where did you get it signed,never did get his autograph, was to shy as young lad to approach him!!
Anthony

He gave it to me at Oulton Park. I had asked for his autograph - which I'd done before - and he smiled, signed my book, then produced the picture which he also signed.

A marvellous moment with Tom Wheatcroft stood by nodding and laughing at us both. Quite wonderful.

[southcoast]

That's for sure....

I'll admit several of them are somewhat minimal but it's only a bit of fun after all Sir Stirling's autograph is quite tiny but what are you to do ? Ask him to write a bit bigger ?

When I was a lad, I was particularly pleased with autographs from Gordon Smiley (who drew a smiley face) and George 'Welly' Potter (who drew a welly !)


With regard to the original post, I imagine it was easier to get Paul Di Resta to sign than it would be at a Grand Prix meeting ! I know the stakes are high but shoo-ing away autograph hunters seems a bit much ! Just ask that chap at the West Ham dinner

[Matt Hughes]

I remember one Festival of Speed I managed to notice Nigel Roebuck sauntering away from the paddock area unnoticed, so I approached him for an autograph. He initially seemed a little put out, but upon realised that a) he was signing my Nigel Roebuck 'Gilles Villeneuve' book and b) I knew he had been good friends with Gilles despite not being old enough myself to have seen him race, he instantly cheered up and spent a good five minutes chatting away with me. Very pleasant chap, and seemed genuinely humbled that someone of a younger generation recognised him and considered him one of their 'heroes'.

At the same event I managed to get a wide selection of autographs - Danny Sullivan and Sir Jack Brabham (both gentlemen), Mike Gascoyne (seemed relaxed and was chatting with folks) and a couple of 'modern' F1 drivers in Button, McNish and Montoya. They were all very happy to sign autographs and were very polite.

I think in terms of F1 weekends these days the team members and the drivers' managers/agents are often the ones who don't like getting bothered rather than the drivers themselves. A friend of mine managed (not really sure how) to get the other side of Bridge at Silverstone in 2006 and nabbed plenty of signatures as the drivers walked from their cars to the paddock. I asked him if anyone had ignored him and the only one who had was a certain brother of a seven-time World Champion. Everyone else, Button, Villeneuve, Sato, Alonso, Rosberg et al had made the time to stop and sign programmes when asked.

Edited by Matt Hughes, 18 May 2011 - 14:49.

[Paul Hurdsfield]

It's difficult to get beyond the fences nowadays, but back in th 70s and 80s, it was much more relaxed.
My Son features in most of these, he was 40 two days ago
He wearing the green rally jacket in this one.










Some of these have been posted on other threads a while ago.

[JohnPackham]

I have a programme from the 70s with autographs from Peterson, Fittipaldi, Gethin, Hailwood, Scheckter, Beltoise, Reutemann and few more I can't remember without digging out the programme. I don't think drivers and spectators use the same loo now. I met Emerson Fittipaldi in there!

My wife, many years later, got a Paul Tracy autograph in pitlane as he was about to go out to qualify. Signed it with one foot in the car! Amazing what you can get if you ask the right person.

Edited by JohnPackham, 18 May 2011 - 19:20.

[Gatmo]

I've got a fair few signatures collected over the years from both two and four wheels, i find it fascinating seeing other people's collections and hearing how drivers/riders reacted when asked to sign.

I attended the FoS last year for the first time and picked up a few different sigs, including ex Ford WRC man Miki Biasion, Bruno Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi and Kerry Earnhardt.

My MotoGP collection has one "almost" signature in it. I managed to blag my way through the tunnel at Donington in 2007 and got into the MotoGP paddock where i managed to get Kenny Roberts Jnr and Snr, Colin Edwards, Alex de Angelis, Hector Barbera and Dani Pedrosa's although Pedrosa could only sign the letter D as the marker pen ran dry.....

He shrugged his shoulders and grinned

I'm back at Goodwood again soon, with a fresh pen at the ready....

[Phil Rainford]

Ex-Indy Car/ F1 Champion happy to sign autographs at Le Mans 2010





PAR

Edited by Phil Rainford, 18 May 2011 - 19:48.

[E1pix]

It's difficult to get beyond the fences nowadays, but back in th 70s and 80s, it was much more relaxed.
My Son features in most of these, he was 40 two days ago

Too Cool, Paul! What wonderful photos and memories for you both!

[southcoast]

Too Cool, Paul! What wonderful photos and memories for you both!

Agreed. Very cool indeed !

[Tom Glowacki]

Agreed. Very cool indeed !

My brother and I got autographs from Chapman, Clark, Gurney, and a number of USAC drivers, including Hurtubise and Marshman when Lotus was in Milwaukee testing after the 1963 Indy 500. They could not have been nicer and they're hanging on the wall next to my computer. I also got a number of autgraphs from the then living major names on both sides of the Pearl Harbor attack at a seminar in 1991. All of those people were quite cooperative, even the Japanese former pilots, who did not have a word of English amongst them.

[Paul Hurdsfield]

There's a little story behind the Mansell pic. It was the height of Mansell Mania and there was a large scrum of Journalists and photographers around the Williams Motorhomes, I pushed my way through the crowd, shouting "excuse me, excuse me" as if I was staff and needed to get in, I got to the awning pulled open the flap and started to walk towards Frank W, A securtiy bod pushed me back, as I turned round I bumped into Nige on his way in, we were squashed together by the scrum, and the pic was taken with a 28mm wide angle lens as he signed my programme, in an instant he was gone

Edited by Paul Hurdsfield, 19 May 2011 - 06:57.

[David McKinney]

Rearranging my bookshelves over the weekend I came across my old autograph book. I think I took it to only two meetings, in 1961, and there are only 26 names in it.
But those names include one world champion, another F1 driver, three European F2 drivers, two Le Mans class winners, a Tasman Champion, and winners of four Australian Gold Stars, 14 NZ Gold Stars, two NZ Sportscar Championship, a NZ saloon championship, and nine NZ Hillcimb championships.
Not a bad hit rate, I reckon

[Lemnpiper]

I've got a fair few signatures collected over the years from both two and four wheels, i find it fascinating seeing other people's collections and hearing how drivers/riders reacted when asked to sign.

I attended the FoS last year for the first time and picked up a few different sigs, including ex Ford WRC man Miki Biasion, Bruno Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi and Kerry Earnhardt.

My MotoGP collection has one "almost" signature in it. I managed to blag my way through the tunnel at Donington in 2007 and got into the MotoGP paddock where i managed to get Kenny Roberts Jnr and Snr, Colin Edwards, Alex de Angelis, Hector Barbera and Dani Pedrosa's although Pedrosa could only sign the letter D as the marker pen ran dry.....

He shrugged his shoulders and grinned

I'm back at Goodwood again soon, with a fresh pen at the ready....

Hi Gatmo ,


Fresh Pens at the ready might work better .

i've found it's easy to carry 7 or 8 sharpies (some with silver ,most in black ) when i stroll thru the garages or autograph sessions. That way the out of ink scenario is less likely to occur ,Plus sometimes a driver will want to sign but be caught out without a pen and if you have one for them to keep they will more than happily sign your item early on as well , in return for letting them keep the pen.

Also helping other fans with a spare pen/sharpie is a great way to find allies in keeping a lookout for a drivers happening by that may have time to sign stuff .

Plus Car Owners and former drivers are another great =group to seek for autographs.


BTW i also have a Kenny Roberts auto , but mine is from circa 1976 at the Indiana mile when Kenny was still doin the AMA flat track races against folks like Gary Scott , Dave Aldana ,Jay Springsteen




Paul