Ron Dennis pays tribute to Paul Newman
American movie legend and motor racing entrepreneur Paul Newman passed away yesterday at the age of 83, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Newman was co-owner of the Newmn/Haas/Lanigan Racing Team and raced himself throughout the 70's and 80's.
McLaren Mercedes Team Boss Ron Dennis payed tribute to Newman saying: "Paul Newman was one of those very few people for whom the term 'megastar' was no exaggeration: truly, he was a legend of the silver screen.
"However, he was also a fine driver, who was famous in Hollywood for doing his own stunt driving as often as not. But his driving was in fact no mere stunt.
"I met him quite a few times, and liked him a lot. In fact I arranged a secret test for him in a Procar many years ago, and he acquitted himself pretty well. He competed in quite a few races, in fact, and the highlight of his competition-driving career was a fine second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours race of 1979.
"Along with all my McLaren Group and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes colleagues, I extend my sympathy at this very sad time to this great man's grieving family and friends."
