James Garner
07-21-2014, 04:07 PM
#23
Race Director
But it was Dick Smothers, who was the racer. He co-drove the Greenwood Corvette at LeMans, Watkins Glen, Sebring etc. There still are a couple other actor/racers left though.
His racing career wasn't as well known or high profile, as Newman's or Garner's, but Gene Hackman was also a racer. He raced a Formula Ford in the 70's. He also participated in a number of the old Toyota Celebrity races, which eventually lead to him competing in IMSA, driving a Toyota for Dan Gurney.
Craig T. Nelson raced for many years, too. I remember him racing in a either S2000 or CSR. He had his own racing team, Screaming Eagle Racing, which raced an IMSA GT Spice, throughout the 90's. I used to see him and Newman together at Lime Rock, for the SCCA Nationals.
.......Purple heart soldier
07-21-2014, 05:42 PM
#25
Safety Car
But it was Dick Smothers, who was the racer. He co-drove the Greenwood Corvette at LeMans, Watkins Glen, Sebring etc. There still are a couple other actor/racers left though.
His racing career wasn't as well known or high profile, as Newman's or Garner's, but Gene Hackman was also a racer. He raced a Formula Ford in the 70's. He also participated in a number of the old Toyota Celebrity races, which eventually lead to him competing in IMSA, driving a Toyota for Dan Gurney.
Craig T. Nelson raced for many years, too. I remember him racing in a either S2000 or CSR. He had his own racing team, Screaming Eagle Racing, which raced an IMSA GT Spice, throughout the 90's. I used to see him and Newman together at Lime Rock, for the SCCA Nationals.
07-21-2014, 06:42 PM
#26
Terrorizing Orange Cones
His reputation was that of a good guy, a fine Corvette racer, and a great entertainer who acted the part of the common-sense Joe.
Thanks for the great memories, Jim Garner. Load the team cars one final time and go home.
R.I.P.
Thanks for the great memories, Jim Garner. Load the team cars one final time and go home.
R.I.P.
07-21-2014, 09:10 PM
#27
Melting Slicks
He definitely was a class act, and will be missed. I remember watching Maverick on Sunday nights with my dad. And Paul74, the sidekick was his "brother" (an actor) on the show. And I did not know anyone that could afford a color TV back then! Lou.
07-22-2014, 12:55 AM
#29
Terrorizing Orange Cones
07-22-2014, 08:04 AM
#30
Melting Slicks
great guy , great actor, korea war veteran .
07-22-2014, 11:46 PM
#33
Drifting
RIP Jim. You will e missed by your many TV and movie fans and by us car guy fans too.
I was at a big indoor car show in Los Angeles in the 70s. I saw Jim looking at cars and I sort of followed him for a short time. I was in awe and wanted to be sure it was indeed him. I didn't say anything to him as I thought his private life was his and there was no need to invade his privacy. I was mightily impressed to have been nearby to him for a few minutes.
I was at a big indoor car show in Los Angeles in the 70s. I saw Jim looking at cars and I sort of followed him for a short time. I was in awe and wanted to be sure it was indeed him. I didn't say anything to him as I thought his private life was his and there was no need to invade his privacy. I was mightily impressed to have been nearby to him for a few minutes.
07-23-2014, 11:14 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Noah Beery Jr. played the Dad (Rocky Rockford) to the Jim Rockford character. I don't remember anyone else playing the part of sidekick? I really enjoyed watching that show, back in the day.
Last edited by VCuomo; 07-23-2014 at 11:16 PM.
07-25-2014, 08:31 PM
#35
Melting Slicks
The sidekick that Paul and I are referring to is actor James Kelly in the series Maverick.
James Garner was Bret Maverick and Kelly was his brother Bart on the show. Lou.
James Garner was Bret Maverick and Kelly was his brother Bart on the show. Lou.
07-25-2014, 09:20 PM
#36
