Greg Rickes has been the public address announcer at Lime Rock Park for decades, and his few notes about Paul Newman capture the essence of what reporters, race fans and those around Newman at races felt. Paul was special, and in most cases, we didn't want to intrude.
Thompson in June of 1972. I was 22 years old, with more ambition than
talent. I pestered him all weekend for an interview, which he finally agreed
to after the races on Sunday evening. I was using a massive
reel-to-reel tape recorder which took something like 12 D-cell batteries.
When I got home, I listened to the interview -- and even at that tender age I
realized it was about the worst work I'd ever done. There was lots of my
voice and little of PLN.
After that, when announcing at Lime Rock I tried to treat him like any
other racer. He and Joanne would often watch the races from the top of the old
tower; with its rickety ladder. It afforded a good view and some sanctuary
from the crowds. Other than a friendly wave, I had little contact with
them.
The other memory of Newman/Sharp Racing that I carry is the brief
stint that the late Walter Payton had with them. He was a lovely person,
from his voice you'd know why he was called Sweetness. It must be ironic
for Scott Sharp realize now that one of his teammates is gone and
the other one is failing. (At this point, though, Paul has passed.)
Addendum: "It was poignant that Newman should leave us on the weekend of the SCCA North Atlantic Road Racing Championships at Lime Rock --- he raced in that same event in '07, and it turned out to be the last race he ever drove." -- Greg Rickes