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Racers and Actors

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paul newman nissan 

With the passing of Paul Newman this past week, it made me think of him and other actors and the contributions that were made to auto racing. When filming the movie "Winning" he became interested in motorsports. He competed in the SCCA series driving one of the most recognizable cars of the day, a Datsun (Nissan) 280zx and also competed in road races at Daytona. One of his last works was the voice of Doc in the movie "Cars".

 I, as well as just about any other Mustang enthusiast, know that Steve McQueen enjoyed auto racing. He starred in the movie Le Mans which is one of the most accurate and realistic racing movies ever produced. No one can forget Bullitt either.

 James Garner was another one that I thought of who was a big racing fan/driver and acted in the movie "Grand Prix" as well as spirited driving one the "Rockford Files" TV show. Garner was also good friends with McQueen due to racing interests.

 More recently, Jason Preistly comes to mind, being active in SCCA event as well as IndyCar racing.

  I'm sure that there are others, can anyone else think of any actor/racers?

Published Sep 30 2008, 10:08 AM by btaylor
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Comments

 

nate said:

Gene Simmons is also big into indy racing.

September 30, 2008 10:39 AM
 

joliver said:

I know Tim Allen had Saleen Mustangs that he raced.

October 1, 2008 8:33 AM
 

scott s said:

I was sad when I heard of Newman's death.  He seemed the be the ideal "man's man".  He was a rugged sex symbol, as well as a racer and actor.  Unlike many actors, I can't recall ever hearing any "dirt" about him.  Seemed to be a real stand-up guy.  He was just cool.  

Oh, and you forgot about "Coach" star Craig T. Nelson.  He's a long-time racer, and "Grey's Anatomy"'s Patrick Dempsey who drives an FR500 Mustang Racer.

October 1, 2008 1:54 PM

About btaylor

Been around cars and the car culture my whole life. Built up a 1957 Chevy truck for my first vehicle when I was 14, with a straight 6, split mainfold and 3 one barrel carbs. (It sounded like an angry Cessna!). I have owned a 1997 Camaro, a few trucks, fixed up a wrecked 1995 Mustang convertible and currently drive a 1997 Supercharged Regal GS and the wife drives a 2007 Suburban LTZ. I have a 11 year old girl and an 8 year old girl and a 2 year old girl! I love to play Little Big Planet, Madden football and Singstar on my PS3, golf and just about all sports. Go Mavs, Stars, Rangers and Cowboys!!!