Got to meet one of my heroes tonight

[gpearl]

A new racetrack complex is being built in BC, and I got invited to the launch party.

The guest of honour is one of my heroes, and one of the greatest racers of all time. Very laid back, really nice guy.

11492

For any non-race fans, that's me on the left.

[Fatboy 18]

OK No idea, who is he? So you are the Guy with the glasses correct?

[Snakebit10]

Ok so you are the bigger guy on the left but I cant say I recognize the guy with the glasses and I'm a race fan. Help us out.

[Canadian venom]

Come on guys: Jacques Villeneuve former F1 world champion, son of the great Gilles Villeneuve.

[Snakebit10]

Haha...I know of him and seen him race often but never really saw his face outside of a helmet lol...

[lochnessmonster]

I've heard that Area 27 is happening, and it's great to see Jacques is designing the track. It should be awesome. I love the location. Great choice.

[FrgMstr]

I cannot believe that I did not recognize him from this picture.

http://img13.deviantart.net/6735/i/2012/343/5/2/jacques_villeneuve__australia_1997__by_f1_history-d5nhhjv.jpg

[gpearl]

I got him to take his helmet off for the pic. He is a very casual, easy going guy. Honestly, if I'd quickly seen him in a grocery store, not sure I would have recognized him at a quick glance either.

[Austin]

This is so Viper related.

[lochnessmonster]

I'll bring it back to Viper related..... So, did you know that Ralph Gilles last name is pronounced exactly the same as "Gilles" as in Villeneuve? That is, it is pronounced "Zheel". Not like the gillez of a fish as I hear so many people (including Jay Leno btw) pronouncing it. There ya go.....:fpopcorn:

[Viktimize]

Ok so now for the actual important question. Where is this track being built?

[lochnessmonster]

Oliver, B.C.

[Canadian venom]

This is so Viper related.

Jacques used to be a Viper owner :smileys-car-driving

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/hennessey-viper-owned-by-f1-champion-jacques-villeneuve-for-sale.html

[lochnessmonster]

Nice :drive:

[Viper Girl]

Moved to OT, because even if I squint... theres not enough Viper related text in this thread :icon_devil:

[Phekko]

If you want to get it back to the Viper topic, I understand Jacques Villeneuve was given a Hennessey 600 Viper by Rothmans Racing, when he won the 1997 world championship. Don't know if he drove it much.

Oh, sorry about the double, seems this info was already somewhere in the thread. Carry on :)