Dick Barbour, team boss who guided Newman at Le Mans, dies at 85
Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 2:35 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Dick Barbour, a significant figure in sportscar racing, passed away at the age of 85. He is best known for his role as a team owner and driver, particularly for managing Paul Newman during the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hours, where they nearly secured victory with a Porsche 935. Barbour's contributions spanned over two decades, marking him as a key player in the sport. His legacy includes fostering opportunities for actors in racing and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
- •Dick Barbour died at age 85
- •Managed Paul Newman at Le Mans in 1979
- •Nearly won the race with a Porsche 935
- •Active in sportscar racing for over two decades
- •Remembered for blending Hollywood with motorsport
- 2:35 PMAutosport — Obituary: Dick Barbour, the team boss who ran Paul Newman at Le Mans
"Dick Barbour left his mark on sportscar racing as both a driver and, over two spells, as a team owner, but the American, who has died aged 85, is arguably best remembered for giving movie legend Paul Newman a chance to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1979. That’s because in a story that was probably too outlandish for Hollywood, they very nearly won the race sharing a Porsche 935 with Rolf ...Keep reading
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