12 replies to this topic

[tanja]

I got to briefly meet Derek Bell this weekend. He was racing an Audi S4 in a GT race in Sonoma. He, along with many drivers there for that race as well as the ALMS race, were very accesible to the fans. GGG and I had a chance to talk to him for a bit during an autograph session. And I must say I was very impressed with his friendly attitude. I saw him later in his car waiting to drive onto the track, talking to a fan through the window. He was having a great conversation, answering questions and all. There were many other great drivers at this event and they were also willing to take some time out for the fans. It was nice to be at a race where the drivers, mechanics, and the cars are easily accesible. Makes me look forward to seeing them all race at Laguna Seca in a few months.

[goGoGene]

DB was a very nice fellow to, as were many of the drivers, and none of them were stuck-up in the slightest, basically the common quote was "thanks for coming out today". I can't picture many F1 drivers saying such a thing. It was funny, but they realize that if not for the fans racing actually is pointless, and they love to race, so they know which side their bread is buttered. Talked to Johnny O'Connor with the Panoz team, overhear a fan ask if he was going to be able to take the Audi, he gave a sheepish look and said that the Audi team realy is pretty good right now. I have heard so much PR crap from F1 that it was nice to hear a bit o' truth. The Audi walked it, though the #1Panoz could have taken second...maybe, but something broke and they just circulated the last half hour to get 5th place.

Johnny "Oh" also talked about the last Le Mans race, I asked what that's like, was it realy cool to be there as a driver, he said that it is great, but that unless you win you go away pretty depressed, not just because of the race, but because it is so physically and mentally draining, that the loss hangs on you more.

He took something like 5th place, I can only dream about being in the position of taking 5th at Le Mans.

A very cool weekend, and I got a helmet too (I had to buy it, but still, nothing beats a good impulse purchase at the track).

ggg

[mono-posto]

Although this is an F1 board and I love F1, it is events like this that you described that keep me interested in racing. Period. If we didn't have the local events to go to, I would lose interest in racing all together.

The nearest track to me is Lime Rock which is a rinky dinky little road track but I support it anyway I can. I went to see the Grand Am road race there this year (simular to the ALMS) and the Ferrari Challenge to (which got rained out)but it is the fan friendly atmosphere that drives my passion for racing and (sometimee unfortunately) Mr. Ecclestone is the actual beneficiary, among others, as it keeps me interested in all motorsports. Even the ones that I can't directly access.

Thanks for the story guys.

[Zoe]

Tanja, when will you be going to Laguna Seca? I'll try hard to be there for the CART race.

Zoe

[Ellen2]

he sure is. I just wish he could improve his boring TV commentaries.......

[bigblue]

I had a great experiance with Mr. Bell also. it was about 17 years ago(?) at Lime Rock when he was driving with Al Holbert in the Lowenbrau 956. I was up on the hill timing some cars for fun and he came up next to me and asked me what times the Corvette GTP was running since it was a new car and he was competing against it. Turned out to be a 10 minute conversation about racing and the beauty of the surrounding countryside (right Mono?). We were talking and hanging out like he was my bud. I came away with the impression that he was sa really nice, genuine guy. A few minutes later Hurley Haywood was there also. He just bummed a smoke from me and walked away. (at least he said thanks)

[goGoGene]

Zoe, tanja and I will be at Leguna Seca 15Oct, for the ALMS race. If you have a chance it'd be nice to meet up with you.

ggg

[mono-posto]

bigblue,

most definitely! Lime Rock is just nestled into one of the most beautiful areas in New England. I'm glad to here someone else on this board has been there! It's not Spa, but it's my little hometown track, so I just have to like it!

[bigblue]

Mono, Been there, spent 15 Memorial Day Weekends in a row there. I don't know if you ever camped there for the IMSA/GTP days but we were the guys with the pool table and the big blue tarp. Lot's of fun times but go to Montreal instead now. guess I'm getting old.

[Ray Bell]

Any of those who'll be talking to Derek, ask him about coming off the Northern Crossing at Warwick Farm in the little Dino 2.5 Tasman car, and ask him about racing the Toranas at Bathurst... first hand from one who's been there, it will give you a better idea of what Australian racing is about.
And, please, someone say hello to him from 'cousin' Ray.

[Sting]

I met Derek in the UK 20 years ago. He was a nice guy then, too!!!

[Zoe]

ggg and Tanja,

I'll be (95%) there for the CART race in September (9/10 Sep).

Zoe

[polaris]

I like him because he once said the BMW 3.0 CSL was one of the best cars he ever drove and this has been my daily car for eleven years.