Long Beach Grand Prix '82

I have one of these stories already on this blog from two of the fans who were there's perspective.  Now here is the same story written by a different fan that was in the group, Kris Spackman.  I can't even begin to imagine how exciting it must have been for this group of girls to know that they might see George at the race each year.    And then the times they actually DID see him and even get to say hello, must have been beyond exciting!  

This story was taken out of the July 1982 issue of "With a Little Help from my friends."

Photo by Kris Spackman

 

photo by Kris Spackman

Long Beach Grand Prix ‘82

By Kris Spackman

Ahhh, Long Beach!  The mere thought conjures up wonderful pictures of those gorgeous drivers from exotic places around the world; the thunderous roar of Formula 1 racers screaming through the streets; the colors, the crowds, the excitement…and sometimes, George, putting in a hasty appearance!  The thought is always in the back of our minds as we make our annual trek to the race; whether he shows or not, we always have a good time.  And this year was no exception.  We truly were not expecting to see him, since he’d failed to appear in 1980 and 1981.

As always Jennie Swenton and I were ensconced in our usual spot by the Liguer team, watching dearling Jacques Laffite preparing for the qualifying session. Karen Dyson had wandered off on her own, as had Patti Murawaki, who suddenly reappeared, urgently muttering, “He’s here!”

We quickly followed her back to where she’d seen him.  And what to our wondering eyes should appear?   He looked wonderful, with his hair cut very short, no mustache, and sporting a dark tan and sunglasses.  Dressed in jeans, t-shirt, running shoes, and a dark jacket, he seemed to be trying very hard to blend in with the crowd.

Absorbed in watching the last few minutes of qualifying, he stood close to the track wall until it was over, and then quickly to the garage with one of the crew member he knew.   After just a few minutes, he was gone.  Another famous Harrison disappearing act!

On Saturday, we didn’t see him til later in the day, almost missing him because we were feeding our faces!  We giggled over the fact that he was wearing exactly the same thing as the day before, wondering if he’d left Olivia in Hawaii or Australia and was therefore looking after himself!  He stood chatting with friends, so we just watched, not wanting to interrupt or bother him.  After a short time, he was off with a journalist friend, and we later caught him in the garage, but only long enough to witness another Harrison-Houdini act!

On Sunday, we truly didn’t expect to see him at all, figuring as in years past he’d be watching the race from his favorite spot.  We were all delighted that Niki Lauda was in the front row; he’d returned to racing after a two year “retirement” and was doing incredibly well already!  

As always, the air was electric with excitement as teams rushed frantically about, readying their cars for that all important moment when the green light would come on.  We always enjoy race day but at the same time, hate to see it come because it’ll then all soon be over for another whole year!

Then suddenly there was George again!  And again wearing the same clothes!  This time, though he had a friend along, and we recognized Denis O’Brien, who was looking about rather in awe.   George carefully pointed out and explained things to him, then laughingly posed as Denis took a picture of him!

After a while, they were joined by a man George obviously knew from one of the teams.  They greeted each other warmly, then George took a button out of his pocket and tried to pin it on the man’s jacket. 

Then suddenly there was Karen who’d been off wandering on her own and she was only several feet away from him an edging closer!  She spotted us, giving us a look which “Help!”  Little by little, she moved closer waiting for an opportune moment.

As we silently cheered her on, she finally went up and said hello.  A bit hesitantly, he returned the greeting.  Karen determinedly hung in there and told him she just had wanted to say I and tell him he was looking wonderful, that someone must be taking good care of him.  She asked about the family and he said they were fine.  Bringing up Dhani really got him going!  A huge smile lit up his face, and he told her how big he was getting, how much he enjoyed him, how smart he was, and all the time they spent together in the garden.  They then went on to discuss the race and he reassured her that Niki Lauda would probably win (Turned out he was right!)  Karen then said goodbye and off he went with Denis into the crowd.

That was the last we saw of him, but what a sight indeed!  It was great to catch a look at him, without anyone recognizing or bothering him.   He seemed quite relieved that he was able to enjoy the weekend in relative peace.

Thanks George!  We enjoyed it too.