16 replies to this topic

[sonikk4]

Murray Walker has passed away at the ripe old age of 97.

 

Lovely bloke and a brilliant commentator.

 

RIP Murray.

[surfblue]

A legend the like of which we'll never see again. "Unless I'm very much mistaken".
Formula 1 was never the same since he stopped commentating, his enthusiasm was infectious, I still miss hearing him screaming "go,go,go" as the lights went out.
A long life well lived, RIP Murray.

Edited by surfblue, 13 March 2021 - 06:46 PM.

[cooperd70]

Poor old Murray! That's a fantastic innings for a British male tho...I could only hope to last as long. He was 'the' commentator of my whole life of televised Motorsport! R.I.P.

[mab01uk]

RIP Murray Walker - F1 was never the same once he retired at the end of the 2001 season, one of the reasons I have since lost interest in the sport.

"Until 1978, Murray was a part-time commentator, building up a successful career in advertising during the week and fitting in his commentating duties at weekends. After James Hunt's victory in 1976, the BBC decided to start broadcasting all of the Grand Prix, and asked Murray to become the voice of Formula 1. The man who made famous the catchphrase "Unless I'm very much mistaken... I AM very much mistaken!!!" The infamous 'Murraywalkerisms' enlivened races along with his partnership with James Hunt behind the microphone."

As a tribute, some of my favourite races from my 'local' circuit at Crystal Palace below, with great commentaries by Murray Walker...before he became the voice of Formula 1. 

1969 British Saloon Cars at Crystal Palace. Commentary by Murray Walker.


1971 British Saloon Car Championship racing at the Crystal Palace circuit. Commentary by Murray Walker.


Crystal Palace Saloon car race 03/10/70
The up to 1000cc Saloon car race from Crystal Palace (10 laps) as shown on BBC Grandstand. Commentary by Murray Walker.


Daily Express F3 Trophy Final - Crystal Palace October 1970
Recorded from the TV on VHS many years ago BBC2 "100 Greatest Sporting Moments". Fantastic F3 race from the old Crystal Palace circuit featuring a titanic battle between James Hunt, David Morgan, Mike Beuttler, Gerry Birrell and Tony Trimmer. The irrepressible Murray Walker provides the commentary.

Edited by mab01uk, 13 March 2021 - 07:24 PM.

[Maccmike8]

I was fortunate enough to meet him a few years ago. Will never understand why he wasnt knighted as I would argue he has done more for F1 than LH.

[imack]

An absolute legend, RIP Murray

[MiniMadRacer]

100% agree.. he should have been Sir.. I was lucky to meet him as a kid at lydden..,,I wasnt there for this one but what a good Mini charge

 

https://youtu.be/ha0JoWz4EaM

 

[Steam]

Sad news, what a Legend.

[Tornado99]

Let's post up fav Walkerisms:

"It's raining and the track is wet"
"Cars are making tire and fire stops"
"Third place car is a bout to lap the second place car"
"Senna is in the swimming pool now"

[surfblue]

My favourite is:
"There's nothing wrong with his car except that it's on fire."
Or:
"The lead car is absolutely unique, except for the one behind it which is identical."

Edited by surfblue, 14 March 2021 - 10:02 AM.

[panky]

I liked the way he covered up for James Hunt when he stepped out of the commentary box to smoke a joint saying that he'd just popped out to check out the pits

"And I've got to stop because I've got a lump in my throat."

Pretty much sums up the sad news

[The Principal]

He was commentating on rallycross at Lydden Hill, " The leader has the advantage of having a clear windscreen'" he promptly crashed...........

 

My boy summed up Murray in a different way he called him the voice of Sunday dinner

 

Lovely man RIP 

[Maccmike8]

The F1 commentary hasnt been good since he retired. Brundle has put his own stamp on it but the C4 stuff is truly awful. Murray made even a dull race exciting. The new crop barley make an exciting race exciting.

[mab01uk]

'I'm ready to stop my start watch'.

 

"There is a man with a great Grand Prix future behind him!"

"Do my eyes deceive me, or is Senna's Lotus sounding rough?"

"His hopes, which were nil before, are absolutely zero now."

 

Many more here:-

https://murraywalkerisms.tripod.com/

Edited by mab01uk, 14 March 2021 - 11:10 PM.

[MatthewsDad]

Can't believe it's 20 years since he commentated on grands Prix. Seems like yesterday.