James Garner Got Nailed
by JP [6/03/2006]
Heading over in 2 days for the 2006 F1 weekend.....things have changed
in my 40 years at the Speedway! Now I look forward to staying
downtown, dinner at St. Elmo etc. which was not the case in '66!
I guess there are a lot of good stories out of 40 years at the
track.....sneaking into the Granatelli/Chapman garages after all the
turbines dropped out, even had my date thrown out for flashing!
One story I remember takes place somewhere around the 69/70 500.
In those days it was feast or famine. I had free Penthouse tickets or
was relegated to the infield. This time I was in the first turn infield.
Track activities were gearing up to the start of the race. A race fan
next to me was expounding about the excitement that leads up from
the track opening till the start your engines command. I agreed, the
build-up of excitement was incredible and thats what draws me back
to the Speedway each year.
He said, you know, before the start of last year race he saw James
Garner walking towards turn 1 to watch the start. He threw a beer can
to get his attention and got to chat with the Maverick/Grand Prix star.
Well its deja vu all over again as James Garner is heading up to his
favorite position to watch the beginning of the race.......well, to get his
attention he picks up a beer can and heaves it towards Jim. This time
it got more than his attention as the can hit him in the head!
Needless to say Mr. Garner was not pleased and had more than
chatting on his mind. He climbed to the top of the fence with fire in his
eyes and pointing to the hapless fan. He decided not to pursue this
poor guy through the tangle of blankets, coolers, cans and passed out
spectators. I think it was far safer for him to drive the pace car!
I had the desire to go to the 500 for as long as I can remember. I'd
have the radio on during the Memorial Day cookouts, listening to the
excitement but could not get my parents to go to the track! I had to
wait till I had my own car....soon as I was out of High school, had a
summer job, bought a car, then it was the start of many treks to the
Speedway. If I only knew that a high school classmate had the same
desire, his name is Ron Hemmelgarn. He didn't have a ride over either
so he hitch-hiked to Indy!
It wasn't long after seeing Jim Garner in Grand Prix that I was
camping at Watkins Glen......but that another story!
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