Oct 20, 1961
Toronto
Champagne corks were popping all over the place. Everybody got stoned and the drivers were calling us by our first names as if they known us all our lives.
Dear Tom,
Please find enclosed money draught for $575. I believe that is the correct amount owing you except 78 cents which I can send you next time. I got a loan from the bank. I am sorry I took such a long time getting you money Tom but things here a a bit slow work-wise. Although this week I have another full page full colour story illustrations in the Star Weekly. I guess I should send you home a copy sometime, then you could see what I’m doing. I think you would be surprised.
A couple of weeks back I went down to Watkins Glen N.Y. to see the Grand Prix of the United States. Hansi and an English guy Theo (who incidentally his father is manager of The Times in London) and I went down there. Me in my M.G.A. And Theo in his white XK 150 Jaguar.
We were in the pits most of the time on practice day and race day. And believe it or not we got friendly with Moss, and Rob Walker, Colin Chapman of Lotus cars, John Cooper of Cooper Climax and the Porsche team manager and drivers such as Innes Ireland, (who incidentally won the race in a factory Lotus) Joakim Bonnier, Jim Clark, Olivier Gendebien, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Graham Hill, John Surtees. After the race they invited us to the motel (which was a luxury motel with swimming pool over looking beautiful lake Seneca) for the after race party. And boy did we ever have a ball. Champagne corks were popping all over the place. Everybody got stoned and the drivers were calling us by our first names as if they known us all our lives. Stirling Moss and Joakim Bonnier want me to send them copies of the ‘Star Weekly’ with my painting of them in the illustrations I did of a previous race.
The New York state troopers gave us and the drivers a police escort from the track to the motel to avoid the line up of cars that were moving in thousands from the circuit. Well we sure did live it up in style.
My little apartment I have is terrific and seeing as I am short of money these days I eat in a lot. My refrigerator is full of steaks, chops, eggs, beer and all types of jazz. Every morning I eat a good breakfast of orange, corn flakes and milk, bacon eggs and coffee. Believe me breakfast gives one a good foundation to start the day on. I do hope all you guys are eating breakfast. Especially in London now that the damp wintery mornings are approaching.
Stirling Moss & Joakim Bonnier want me to send them copies of the ‘Star Weekly’ with my paintings of them…
How is everybody there? Give my best regards to Rita. And to Ron and Rene, tell them I am sorry I couldn’t send Diane anything for her birthday but in plain words I’m broke. I’m sure they will understand. And you tell me the baby was christened, David Ronald I believe. Well with a name like that David Kimpton, the lad should grow up to be somebody!!
How is Den? Tell him I said eat breakfast every morning. And Ted too eat breakfast and not cigarettes! And what about Les my old buddy when is he getting married? I always remember when Rita helped me to Waterloo with my heavy bags, and believe me they were heavy and she didn’t complain. The Les was waiting at Waterloo to see me off. I miss you all sometimes and I only hope that you are all enjoying your life as I certainly am. Next time I come home we will have a party. And that’s for sure!
If I can afford it I will spend Christmas in New York city.
So Tom that’s all for now and take care of yourself tell the boys same. By the way I guess you know I don’t have that beard anymore. I got rid of that a long time ago, everyone thought I was a Castro supporter!
As ever, Dave
