I was a member of a hand picked team of 12 from the Marlboro sponsorship of McLaren and attended 7 F1 GP's, 6 held at Silverstone and 1 at Brands Hatch, the very last time it was used for F1.
We would pick up royalty from around the world personally entertain them and would have passes all areas. The one big memory was on race day the Shah of Iran who I was entertaining with his family, he asked could we go and visit the paddock area I of course agreed and drove them in a luxury imported jeep in the area when we got there we had full access to the Marlboro McLaren pits.
We were guided around and when the tour was over the Shah asked if he could meet James Hunt who could be quite difficult on race days so I went to his trailer knocked the door he opened it and he snapped who are you and what do you want. I explained I was In the VIP team of his sponsors and that the Shah and his party wished to meet him. His manner changed and in his very educated voice he agreed as he had plenty of time, he was the perfect host and did not rush my party out.
As we were leaving he grabbed my shoulder and asked that the 12 VIP team would have a meal with him that night as we were in the same hotel. When we did after a few drinks and a meal he had to go for a formal reception. Again as he was leaving he asked for my business card and said we would spend time one on one soon.
A few months later I had a phone call from my CEO telling me that James was doing a tour of Ford Dealerships in Wales and he had specifically asked for me to accompany him. I never thought we would meet again, and here I am taking him around the dealerships staying in the same hotels and drinking with him and his party and he could really drink but what a very special memory that is.
The last time I saw him was after he had broken his leg and he was limping up to a commentary box he looked straight over at me called my name out and told me I was a drunken bum, big praise from him.
RIP JAMES THE GENT.
Haydn Williams
Memory added on May 21, 2013
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