Instead of reading this rubbish you would do much better to read Matthew Norman's witty summary of the rise and rise and just possibly the fall of Bernie Ecclestone, the man who turned what had hitherto been a hobby for petrol-heads into a global industry sport. No one tells it better than Matthew Norman but I will add my own personal memory of Bernie, a man, so they say, who were he to shake your hand you would be wise to count your fingers afterwards! As we all know, he is shortly to stand trial in Germany for bribery. Well, sharing as I did with Bernie, membership of that exclusive gentlemen's club, the second-hand car trade, I was shocked, I tell you, shocked! However, if you fancy a little punt I would advise placing a few quid on Bernie to beat the rap.
Anyway, here is my personal memory of the one and only time I (sort of) met him. Years ago I took 'SoD', then a nipper, to the British Grand Prix where I managed to get a photo of him next to his hero, Carlos Reutemann, one of the great drivers of the period. Somewhat surprisingly given my ineptitude with cameras, the photo turned out rather well so I had it enlarged and took it back with 'SoD' to the next British Grand Prix. We waited patiently by the Brabham paddock for Reutemann to put in an appearance so that we could ask him to autograph it. Alas, no sign of the great man but who should tootle by but no less than Bernie who owned the team.. He spotted the photo, snatched it from 'SoD's hand, took it into the garage and re-emerged with it duly signed by Carlos Reutemann. The photo with autograph was framed and I think 'SoD' still has it.
Funny how you never forget little kindnesses like that, so here's wishing you the best of luck, Bernie!
