Remembering Bernard

It has been three and a half years since Bernard Cahier passed away, but my memories of him still linger affectionately. I first came to know Bernard in the late fall of 1972 when I hired him as a consultant for a documentary film I was planning to make about a season of Formula 1 racing, tentatively titled Grand Prix 73. Although we’d never met, I knew he was an influential automotive and motor racing photojournalist who could open doors that otherwise might remain shut. I figured we could use someone of his stature on our team.

That film project ultimately died prematurely, but thankfully this did not mark the end of my friendship with Bernard. I’d see him occasionally at the racetrack, especially at Le Mans, where he and his American wife, Joan, ran the Goodyear hospitality operation in the paddock during the 24-hour race—a welcome retreat for anyone fortunate enough to receive an invitation. This was long before teams and sponsors pitched huge tents behind the pits and laid on gourmet meals for their VIP guests.