8 James Brolin

American actor and ‘Mr Streisand’ James Brolin was another who was bitten by contesting celebrity races (above, on right). And while his career on-track proved fleeting, he clearly wasn’t lacking in ability or bravery. Having competed in a handful of events, he joined a two-car team for the 1979 Nürburgring 24 Hours armed with AMC Spirit AMXS sponsored by BF Goodrich. He was paired with boxer Amos Johnson (who at one point raced a works AMC Pacer) and actor Dennis Shaw, with future Indy 500 racer Lyn St James, works Mazda ace turned manufacturer Jim Downing and Motor Trend’s Gary Witzenburg in the sister car. Brolin’s first stint began just before dusk… The car had already pitted with throttle cable ‘issues,’ and brakes – or lack thereof – would become a major problem. He and his teammates came home second in class, for an AMC 1-2 finish. Anorak fact The Spirit AMXS were the only cars competing in their category on road tyres