6 replies to this topic

[biercemountain]

While watching the vintage Paul Newman documentary "Once upon a wheel" on Speed yesterday I was struck by a segment where he interview the wives of some drivers. In particular, the exchange with Jackie Oliver's wife was interesting due to her comments about talking with other drivers wives concerning the danger of the sport.

This got me wondering if the wives of F1 drivers still share the sense of comradery that Jackie Oliver's wife displayed. I'd like to think so, but there's another side of me that feels this sort of thing is actively discouraged in today's antiseptic, PR driven paddock. In addition, it would stand to reason that the improvement in safety has minimized the sense of danger that drivers wives feel about their husbands profession.

Your thoughts?

[LOTI]

I doubt that some of the wives know each other, no real reason why they should, they all have their nice big motor homes to hide in over weekends. We had the famous Doghouse caravan and then later the old time keepers box and then a hospitalitiy unit at Silverstone, a portacabin over the paddock loo at Brands. Of course there were wives who were not members of the Doghouse but the whole circus fratenised far more than I assume they do now. Interestingly, it was always assumed we were all friends......... I had an e mail from Lynne [Oliver] last week about the Judy Ganley thread, she is living in Lanzarote and doing her yoga. Nice to hear her news after 20 odd years!
Loti

[Cirrus]

I can't imagine many current drivers wives dressing up to the nines and putting on a high-kicking entertainment show for charity, like Loti and her contemporaries.

[biercemountain]

After further reflection, I'd imagine the majority of the grid these days is made up of single guys.

[KWSN - DSM]

Originally posted by Cirrus
I can't imagine many current drivers wives dressing up to the nines and putting on a high-kicking entertainment show for charity, like Loti and her contemporaries.

Ehhh...

Did they not do exactly between last season and this? (possibly the proceeding) - I have an idea of a fashion show, where the wifes / girlfriends were the models, and the proceeds going to charity.

Having said that.

I agree that I expect that the wifes / girlfriends do little fraternization (should that be sorietynization?) now compared to the old days.

[LOTI]

Yes, we had a fashion show at Pavilion Road.... not a great success but quite fun.
I don't think I count as I was only around for just over a year of actual racing although I worked for the Doghouse behind the scenes on and off and only did 2 cabarets.
We had our autumn lunch at Brooklands Museum this year, really good place if anyone is looking for a venue, and rather un-nervingly there are photographs of our early efforts in the museum. Yes, I have ended up as a museum exhibit! rather like survivors of any intense moment, we have a common bond.
Loti

[RA Historian]

Originally posted by KWSN - DSM


I agree that I expect that the wifes / girlfriends do little fraternization (should that be sorietynization?)