James Garner: A man who loved the Indianapolis 500
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports...olis/12909515/
IndyCar racing knew Hollywood actor James Garner, who died late Saturday in Los Angeles, as a man who loved the Indianapolis 500.
Garner was the 500's pace car driver in an era when it was less about having celebrities at the wheel. Garner, a talented amateur racer, knew what he was doing.
Garner drove the 500's pace car in 1975, '77 and '85.
"He enjoyed being the pace car driver," said Tony George, the former president and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Obviously, he loved motor sports, and he made movies about motor sports. His passion led him to do some competitive driving.
"He certainly was one of the more notable fans of our sport."
Garner's biggest motor sports contribution was the lead role in the 1966 movie "Grand Prix." He played Pete Aron, an American grand prix driver. Three years later, he starred as himself in a 90-minute theatrical documentary, "The Racing Scene."
Former driver Michael Andretti said he had dinner with Garner on several occasions.
"He was a really good guy, and he always loved being at the 500," Andretti said.
Garner was found dead in his Brentwood home late Saturday. The star of television's "Rockford Files" was 86.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
RIP Mr. James Garner
Linear Mode
