[Mgs] Phil Hill

[Wm. Severin Thompson]

My wife, the Striking Viking was reading Burt Levy's series of 50's racing
books, starting with "The Last Open Road". Burt weaves fictional characters
with some of racing's true heroes through road racing's early history. 

A few years ago, we were walking the paddock at Road America, and over in
the vendor section, Phil was signing books or posters. I said to her,
"there's Phil Hill. I've met him a few times over the years." She turns to
me and says, "He's real? I thought he was just another character in the
book???".

We've had a good laugh over that every time his name has come up. 

-----Original Message-----
From: mgs-bounces+wsthompson=thicko.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:mgs-bounces+wsthompson=thicko.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of David
Woerpel
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 1:02 AM
To: MGs
Cc: Spridgets List; bugeye at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Mgs] Phil Hill

Sigh, another HERO gone.  Unlike many of today's drivers he was a 
gentleman and a class act.  He walked into the paddock area at Road 
America, where my son was working on a Brabham I nodded and said hello 
and he winked at me in acknowledgment and went straight for Adam.  He 
shook Adam's hand and they talked for about 5 minutes and he autographed 
a metal Ferrari shield Adam had just purchased.  He told Adam what a 
responsibility the guys with the wrenches have.  Today that shield is 
hanging in a place of honor.

A couple of years later we ran into him at Indy for the USGP.  We were 
walking one way and the Hills the other.  As we past each other we 
nodded and Phil said, "You're the Brabham man!"  Amazing.  I told Adam 
today by phone and there was silence for a moment and then he summed up 
my feelings with one word, "Damn!"  Yup, we lost a good one.  Thanks 
Phil.  I bet he's finally telling off Enzo for all those years he had to 
put up with the man's tirades.

Anyone know if Paul Newman has improved?

Dave
59 :{)
59 MGA 1500
Burlington WI