Konig History

[Bill Van Steenwyk]

On one of the trips that Dieter made to the US in 1957, he competed in races with the South Eastern Boating Association, which as Danny Piggot has pointed out in another thread, had some of the toughest competition you could find at the time.

A BBQ dinner and party was being held for the drivers the night before the race, and Dieter evidently had never eaten BBQ before, especially the kind smothered with hot, spicy sauce. He was served and started to eat, and suddenly without saying a word, got up from the table and carrying his plate with food on it, left for a short time. When he came back all the sauce was gone from the meat. Because it was so hot and he was not used to that type of spicy food, he just excused himself and went down to the beach and proceeded to wash the sauce off his meat in the lake. He then came back to the table and continued to finish the rest of the meal, without any comment. He evidently was trying to be polite and not offend those who were his hosts in this country by letting them know that the sauce was too hot for him to eat.

I only met him a couple of times here in the US, and once in Germany, but one thing that impressed me was his politeness and courtesy to others. He evidently was that way for his whole life, because about 15/20 years passed between the event related above and the times I met him, and it would seem that was a constant in his personality, at least when I was around him.

[tim hanna]

Hi guys,
As is so often the case I have to update and correct material as new bits and pieces come in.
The 'Aknowledgements' recorded at the front of the book are no exception and they keep growing. Naturally I will record every person who has helped and believe me I recognise that this is the least I can do.
As always the last contributions are wonderful. This book is written as a dramatic reconstruction and having such anecdotes gives me the colour the book needs as well as helping to keep the history straight.
So, thanks guys. I will record your help.

[Mad Cat]

Tim;;

You can count me in on a book too ! I was not able to meet Dieter, but I ran his engines for a short while !

Thanks, John Biagio

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Like you say Bill Van, Dieter was always very polite and courteous. Here are a couple of frames with you and Dieter at the Spandau course in Berlin. Check out the disco duds. This was May 1976. That was why you remembered the deal with David and Faye Westbrooks honeymoon sleeping arrangements at Jenny's house. You were there then.

As far as the difference between anecdotes and pictures go Bill Van, the main one is I've only bought and sold anecdotes with beer, whereas I've sold photos for actual cash. And, my memory can change over time and stories can too, whereas my photos stay the same unless they fade. So it's much easier to claim proprietorship on a personal creation than a personnal recollection. Hope that explains it.

Man, I wish I could come to Lake Alfred, but Debbie and I are going to be in the District of Corruption at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, and I can't get away again for the races.

[Bill Van Steenwyk]

Above quote was from Eileen when I showed her these pictures. I did not at all remember these pictures being taken. If you could print out these for me and send them to me next time your'e printing some, it would be much appreciated. I would like to include them with the other pictures from this trip we took.

Boy, was that a sharp looking outfit or what, and how about the guy in it!! Too bad from the looks of that shirt that the pictures were not in color.

[David Weaver]

Above quote was from Eileen when I showed her these pictures. I did not at all remember these pictures being taken. If you could print out these for me and send them to me next time your'e printing some, it would be much appreciated. I would like to include them with the other pictures from this trip we took.

Boy, was that a sharp looking outfit or what, and how about the guy in it!! Too bad from the looks of that shirt that the pictures were not in color.

....Dennis Hopper in those photo's or perhaps Dennis Hopper looks just like Bill Van!!

Wayne, you can always attend another day in the fields, the number of World Championships are limited!