Paul Newman passes away

Michael Knight, who writes the “All Business” column for our sister publication, www.DragRacingOnline.com, did PR for Paul Newman’s CART/Champ Car team for 11 years.

There is no question that the legendary actor and humanitarian, who died on Sept. 26 at age 83, had great respect for those in racing. He was a driver and a team owner. Knight (at left above with Newman) shares one of his favorite Newman anecdotes.

“I enjoy the people in racing, for the most part, more than the people in Hollywood,” Newman said. “There’s a lot of ‘bull’ in racing, but it’s fun, put-on ‘bull.’ Nobody takes themselves seriously while doing it. That’s what makes it fun.”

Paul added: “I like being competitive, and you can’t be competitive as an actor. That satisfies a big part for me.”

He was as much of a true “racer” as anyone who ever won at Pomona, Indy, Daytona or Le Mans. And, oh … those eyes.  (photo courtesy Michael Knight) [10/03/08]

'Kimi Day' held in Abu Dhabi

Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari drives a F1 Simulator at Marina Mall on September 23 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. F1 World Champion Raikkonen was the first to see the new Yas Island Circuit that will stage the Abu Dhabi Ethiad Airways F1 Grand Prix 2009. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for Ethiad Airways)

Reigning Formula One world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, roared into Abu Dhabi on a day trip that included being quizzed by a group of Emirati youngsters aspiring to become the UAE's grand prix driving stars of the future.

The 'flying Finn' was the special guest of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and sponsor of the famous Ferrari F1 team for whom Raikkonen drives.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is also the three-year title sponsor of next year's inaugural 'Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix', which will be staged in the UAE capital in November.

As well as hosting an F1 question and answer session with children at the iconic Emirates Palace hotel, Raikkonen enjoyed a helicopter flight over Abu Dhabi's new Yas Marina grand prix circuit. Later in the day, Kimi was given a more unusual aerial view of the track from the flight deck of an Etihad Airways flight simulator, piloted by Emirati Captain Fahmi Mohamed.

'Kimi Day' also included a visit to Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall where the Ferrari driver officially opened the latest Etihad Holidays Shop, before taking on members of the public in a special simulated F1 driving challenge laid on by Mubadala. [10/03/08]