From McQueen to McDreamy: Five Celebrity Porsche Racers—Track Time Tuesday Presented by Yokohama Tire’s ADVAN APEX
Paul Newman
Paul Newman was another Godfather of cool, and a real one. Newman became interested in motorsports in his 40s. During the production of 1969’s Winning, he went to racing school to prep for the part. And he never looked back. Subsequently, it is Newman behind the wheel in many of the film’s stunts.
A gifted driver, Newman entered into a successful and distinguished racing career. He had a number of prestigious wins including several SCCA national championships. Then he went to the big show, racing a Porsche 935 alongside Rolf Stommelen and Dick Barbour in the wet and wild 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans. He nabbed first in his class and placed second overall.
The actor was not just a rare talent on film, but also behind the wheel. He drove with pure love of the cars and the sport. And that continued throughout his life; as he became an IndyCar owner, helped boost the careers of aspiring racers, and added some truly epic rides to his collection. And the man was driving (exceptionally) well into his late seventies. When it came to Newman, they broke the mold.
