Claims to Fame!

Looking back over my many years attending, and reporting on motor sport I realise that I have been incredibly lucky in having met so many well known names, and so many nice people. The latter category includes all of the Damned even though we have never met.

I was counting up the number of Formula 1 World Champions I have had some level of connection with, and they are;

Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, 54, 55, 55, 57)
Mike Hawthorn (1958)
Jack Brabham (1960, 61, 66)
Phil Hill (1961)
John Surtees (1964)
Denny Hulme (1967)
Jackie Stewart (1969, 71, 73)
Jody Scheckter (1979)
Keke Rosberg (1982)
Alain Prost (1985, 86, 89, 93)
Ayrton Senna (1988, 90, 91)
Michael Schumacher (1994, 95, 2000, 01, 02, 03, 04)
Lewis Hamilton (2008)
Jenson Button (2009)
Sebastien Vettel (2010, 11, 12, 13)

In some case it was just an autograph, but mostly it was something more.

Anyone else want to flash their credentials, or am I the only egotist on the forum?

Bob, I had the opportunity to meet Clay Regazzoni (Summer 1980, Paraplegikerzentrum in Basle) and declined it. Silly kid. That is the only regret.

I had dinner with Colin Chapman, Emerson Fittipaldi and Ronnie Peterson, the night before the 1973 Austrian Grand Prix (well, I ate in the same restaurant at the same time)

A friend of mine helped start the V16 BRM (by towing it with his Austin Champ) so that Jackie Stewart could demonstrate it at the 1967 Oulton Park Gold Cup

Mark Webber presented the prizes at my daughter's school one year

Pretty desperate stuff compared to Baublemeister, I know.

Jack Brabham lived a few doors from us at Sylvania [suburb of Sydney]. David Brabham went to Sylvania primary school with our sons, David and Tim. I was chuffed [years later] when I saw David Brabham at a race meeting, and he called out "Hello Mr Mackie".

For the opening of Wakefield Park race track, I was asked by [the late] Paul Samuels to drive Sir Jack around for the opening lap, in my 30/98. Again, chuffed.

Crumbs! I forgot Damon Hill (1996).

Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Luca Montezemelo, Stirling Moss, Ross Brawn, Max Mosely (only in a motor sport context).

David, I once eat in the same 'cafe' in Aylesbury as Ralph Schumacher. Beat that!

Greg, I once gave some German DTM driver a lift back to the paddock, when he retired at Abbey Curve at Silverstone, in my Vauxhall Astra.

Many years ago a neighbour across the street had a visitor who parked his Ferrari outside the house, then my boss Alistaire drove up in his 30/98 and off we went to Silverstone in it. I reckon I had bragging rights in the street that day!

Just how conceited can one man be?

Regazzoni wrote:Bob, I had the opportunity to meet Clay Regazzoni (Summer 1980, Paraplegikerzentrum in Basle) and declined it. Silly kid. That is the only regret.

Reggae, that is the sort of thing you regret for ever, I have often wished I had been less shy when I was young, took me until my forties to work out I wasn't as dumb as I thought I was.

Bob.

That's what it was Bob, shyness. My parents lived there and as usual I was spending my summer school holidays with them. Some family friends went to visit him and asked if I wanted to join, knowing I was a fan. I have met the odd F1 driver or engineer, but never really been in awe of anybody, certainly not of celebrity. I have only once in all my life asked for an autograph and that was last year when I asked Tony Southgate to sign my copy of his book. Great guy.

For many years I have provided motor sport coverage to out local BBC Radio Station, and this has enabled me to get into places I would otherwise never have darkened doors. While merely a lowly reporter the mention of BBC instantly commanded attention from media savvy motor sport community, which came as a big surprise, but also brought great joy. When approaching Ferrari at the British Grand Prix one year the dragged out Luca Montezemelo to talk to me, while Mercedes literally pulled Norbert Haug away from a meeting when I asked if I could talk to someone, thinking I might get a driver (DTM at Silverstone), or a Press Officer; "No you must talk to Norbert."
This is how I have managed to get to talk to so many famous names. Not because I am such an important person, just a very lucky one.

Of course it is great to be able to bandy these names around, but it has never put money in my pocket, just swelled my head.

Mind you when strolling through the paddock at the GP and have Sir Jackie Stewart nod and smile while showing a bunch of suits round, does feel good ... as long as someone I know notices.

But then I drive home in my 16 year old Vauxhall Astra ........................................  

Back to reality.

Ohhh....so you're THAT Bob Bull !   

Greg Mackie wrote:Ohhh....so you're THAT Bob Bull !   

Ask Arthur Babbington about the famous Bob Bull.

Bob Bull wrote:

Greg Mackie wrote:Ohhh....so you're THAT Bob Bull !   

Ask Arthur Babbington about the famous Bob Bull.

Which Arthur Babbington?  

Greg Mackie wrote:

Bob Bull wrote:

Greg Mackie wrote:Ohhh....so you're THAT Bob Bull !   

Ask Arthur Babbington about the famous Bob Bull.

Which Arthur Babbington?  

This one.

Just had a bit of a look at the Morgan 'brakehorsepower' forum. The "Famous" Bob Bull seems to frequent the site.....you know, the one without the silly hat.  

Checked out a few of his photos.....they are absolutely amazing. When I get a few hours [days?] to spare, I would like to look at some more.

Back to work on the 4-4.

where did all that go?

Pete, Muhammad Ali and Raymond Poupou Poulidor trumps any claim to fame that might be made here, for me.

Regazzoni wrote:Pete, Muhammad Ali and Raymond Poupou Poulidor trumps any claim to fame that might be made here, for me.

Thanks; however the best (financially squeaking) one is this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c
So I'm told...

Regazzoni wrote:Pete, Muhammad Ali and Raymond Poupou Poulidor trumps any claim to fame that might be made here, for me.

Being in the right place and "knowing" the people who happen to be in favour at the time also helps.   

Making a couple of suggestions regarding framing, lighting angles... too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c

This was my absolute favourite piece of work to be involved with (in a very small way) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HnOFwqpLRQ

Somewhere on my websites the original ideas can be seen for the railway images- even if I can't find them these days!   

Regazzoni wrote:Pete, Muhammad Ali and Raymond Poupou Poulidor trumps any claim to fame that might be made here, for me.

Well said Regga, great rider without all of Anquetil hype. Good bloke all round.

Don't forget all of you when making claims to fame ....... you all know me.  

How did that Max Bygraves song go Pete?

I can't claim any fame on the Morgan 'brakehorsepower' forum. Registered weeks ago, but when I try to log on, they say i am "currently inactive".....does that mean I need a new battery?

Just thought a a couple of photos of the [slow] progress may be of interest to that lot.

Can't post on BHP, Greg?

I'll drop a line to Chris (he runs the site) and ask him to check it out. I am sure that the denizens of BHP would be very interested in your project and with a number of members in Australia you may make some new friends.

We'll make you famous in the UK in no time at all.

Cool, Man you're some kinda dude, baby.

Goodonya cobber, you're a bonzer cove...fair dinkum.

Crikey, that was quick Bob. BHP no problem now. Sure helps when you know someone famous.

I was asked to take Colin Chapman's grandson around Silverstone circuit for some parade laps at the Classic a few years back... He'd never been in a Caterham or Lotus 7 before. His dad, Clive Chapman, then gave me a tour of the Classic Lotus F1 collection (although he wouldn't let me take any out on the track!!)
Many years ago while living in Germany, I used to take a young lad to the local karting track in Kerpen-Mannheim. The owner's sons were unbeatable (probably about 16 yrs old) and were already local legends... Years late the Schumachers became household names. So I have shared the track with either Michael or Ralf - can't say I raced against them though as I was a mobile chicane!

Not a historic driver, but certainly a truly inspirational character. A great honour to meet him and have a brief chat...

Great guy indeed and a top driver.    Hats off to Percy.