MURRAY WALKER PASSES AWAY

Legendary motor racing commentator Murray Walker has passed away aged 97, the much loved and highly regarded Englishman is most well-known for being ‘the voice of Formula 1’.

His broadcasting career began in 1948 at the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb, which led to Walker establishing himself as one of Britain’s leading commentators.

In a career spanning 53-years, Walker covered touring cars, truck racing, rallycross and also commentated the Bathurst 1000 on a number of occasions.

However, it was through his role with Formula 1 where Walker’s star rose after first commentating his first Grand Prix in 1978. His colourful commentary helped Formula 1 to gain mainstream exposure through his partnership with 1976 Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt.

Walker became well-known globally for his passionate calls of Formula 1, the Englishman was treasured by TV audiences for his famous ‘Murrayisms.’

Some iconic ‘Murrayisms’ still regularly referred to include:

“There’s nothing wrong with his car except that it’s on fire.”

“Unless I am very much mistaken…. I am very much mistaken.”

“The lead car is absolutely unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.”

The charismatic caller was adored by all drivers and team owners in alike.

“I always regarded it as my brief not just to inform but to entertain,” Walker said back in 2011.

“I knew that 95 per cent of my audience weren’t interested in the diameter of the gudgeon pin.

“What they wanted was to share the excitement that I was lucky enough to be witnessing. And lucky is the word: my work has taken me round the world umpteen times to countries I would never otherwise have visited, and I have rubbed shoulders with some outstanding people.

“I have been incredibly, gigantically lucky.”

Auto Action sends its condolences to Walker’s friends and family.

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