.......Purple heart soldier
James Garner
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 1,054
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Godspeed Mr. James Garner, RIP, you will be missed. 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,657
Likes: 3,117
From: Shamong, NJ
But it was Dick Smothers, who was the racer. He co-drove the Greenwood Corvette at LeMans, Watkins Glen, Sebring etc. There still are a couple other actor/racers left though.
His racing career wasn't as well known or high profile, as Newman's or Garner's, but Gene Hackman was also a racer. He raced a Formula Ford in the 70's. He also participated in a number of the old Toyota Celebrity races, which eventually lead to him competing in IMSA, driving a Toyota for Dan Gurney.
Craig T. Nelson raced for many years, too. I remember him racing in a either S2000 or CSR. He had his own racing team, Screaming Eagle Racing, which raced an IMSA GT Spice, throughout the 90's. I used to see him and Newman together at Lime Rock, for the SCCA Nationals.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
But it was Dick Smothers, who was the racer. He co-drove the Greenwood Corvette at LeMans, Watkins Glen, Sebring etc. There still are a couple other actor/racers left though.
His racing career wasn't as well known or high profile, as Newman's or Garner's, but Gene Hackman was also a racer. He raced a Formula Ford in the 70's. He also participated in a number of the old Toyota Celebrity races, which eventually lead to him competing in IMSA, driving a Toyota for Dan Gurney.
Craig T. Nelson raced for many years, too. I remember him racing in a either S2000 or CSR. He had his own racing team, Screaming Eagle Racing, which raced an IMSA GT Spice, throughout the 90's. I used to see him and Newman together at Lime Rock, for the SCCA Nationals.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
His reputation was that of a good guy, a fine Corvette racer, and a great entertainer who acted the part of the common-sense Joe.
Thanks for the great memories, Jim Garner. Load the team cars one final time and go home.
R.I.P.
Thanks for the great memories, Jim Garner. Load the team cars one final time and go home.
R.I.P.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
He definitely was a class act, and will be missed. I remember watching Maverick on Sunday nights with my dad. And Paul74, the sidekick was his "brother" (an actor) on the show. And I did not know anyone that could afford a color TV back then! Lou.
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Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
RIP Jim. You will e missed by your many TV and movie fans and by us car guy fans too.
I was at a big indoor car show in Los Angeles in the 70s. I saw Jim looking at cars and I sort of followed him for a short time. I was in awe and wanted to be sure it was indeed him. I didn't say anything to him as I thought his private life was his and there was no need to invade his privacy. I was mightily impressed to have been nearby to him for a few minutes.
I was at a big indoor car show in Los Angeles in the 70s. I saw Jim looking at cars and I sort of followed him for a short time. I was in awe and wanted to be sure it was indeed him. I didn't say anything to him as I thought his private life was his and there was no need to invade his privacy. I was mightily impressed to have been nearby to him for a few minutes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
Noah Beery Jr. played the Dad (Rocky Rockford) to the Jim Rockford character. I don't remember anyone else playing the part of sidekick? I really enjoyed watching that show, back in the day.
Last edited by VCuomo; Jul 23, 2014 at 11:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Ventura
