Bob Wollek 1943-2001
Bob Wollek was riding his bicycle back to his lodging after Friday practice for the Sebring 12 hour race in 2001 when he was hit from behind by a van driven by an 82 year old man from Okeechobee, Florida. Before his death Wollek had announced he was retiring from racing to work as a spokesman for Porsche. The news of his death left me stunned and saddened. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to witness his brilliance on the track and experience his kindness and wit.
I made this photograph of him while he sat in the Lancia-Martini cockpit at Le Mans in 1985.
Paul Frère and Bob Wollek – Le Mans 1984
I had been talking earlier with Paul Frère, one of my revered hero driver/writers. He was a Le Mans winner in 1960 and a frequent contributor to Road & Track. I have a well worn copy of his 1966 edition of “Sports Car and Competition Driving” proudly on my bookshelf along with his “Porsche 911 Story.” In the background of this photograph Frère walks by while I was chatting with Bob Wollek. Talking with these two greats was pretty heady stuff for me and without realizing it I violated one of the cardinal rules of motorsports photography: Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings. I was lost in the moment and I dropped to one knee to change the framing of the picture. I was unaware of a crowd surging behind me and before I knew it I was engulfed and forced further to the ground. By the time I realized what was happening I was helpless to do anything about it but Bob Wollek started pushing people back, cleared a space for me and helped me to my feet. I felt foolish and was a bit disoriented by the experience. I thanked him first in French and then in English and he just smiled that great smile of his and went off about his business.
Bob Wollek – Waiting – Le Mans 1984
One of the great rewards of photographing races was personally meeting drivers. At first encounter Bob Wollek was what I expected: an intense, intelligent and fierce competitor. I was also fortunate to be present at a small dinner later in the week where he was relaxed and entertaining. I was amazed to learn that he had traveled to Le Mans on a bicycle from his home in Strasbourg. During the dinner conversation he was a passionate proponent of the wines of Alsace. He insisted white wines could have the complexity of the finest red and to prove a point he ordered a bottle for the table. I only had a small taste but it was exquisite. He laughed and clearly enjoyed everyone’s reaction and approval. Back at the track he was as focused as ever and I was grateful for the insight into a complex and remarkable man.
Nigel Snowdon Photographer – 1934-2013
Nigel Snowdon, one of the great Formula One photographers died on June 11 in Brisbane, Australia. Nigel was one of the first photographers I interviewed for the exhibition “Passion & Precision” (see the About page above). He was open, friendly and utterly without pretense. I liked him immediately and appreciated his insight and consummate professionalism.
You can read more about Nigel at http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/nigel-snowdon-1934-2013/ and here: http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/06/11/respected-former-f1-photographer-nigel-snowdon-dies/. Nigel’s photographs are available at http://www.klemcoll.com
Sincere condolences to his wife Diana Burnett.
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