On this day in Motor Racing's past

[Cheeveer]

Bottom post of the previous page:

"Track limits" wasn't an issue in 1996.

[MonteCristo]

"Track limits" wasn't an issue in 1996.

So, not dirty then - dirty now?

Even in 1996 I couldn't see how it was allowed.

[Cheeveer]

"Track limits" wasn't an issue in 1996.

So, not dirty then - dirty now?

No, not would be very anachronistic.

[strad]

"Track limits" wasn't an issue in 1996.

Apparently it's still not.
While watching Watkins Glen they mentioned that the course director had said they would not enforce track limits.

[Metzo]

already 17 years since Gonzalo Rodriguez died.

[Everso Biggyballies]

We have all written much about Alex Zanardi and his life since the ending of his open wheeler racing career, in various threads, but 15 years ago on Thursday he had his tragic accident in Germany. So happy for him to have celebrated more Paralympic achievement on the anniversary of that sad day.

[Cheeveer]

Happier anniversary:

Dirty then, dirty now! Track limits, eh?

Just to get back to this slightly:

Q: Why was Zanardi's pass on Herta at Laguna Seca allowed? He went off road with all four tires, cutting the turn, and Herta didn't force him off track. What did Race Control think? Was there a discussion or protest? Puzzled.
Jon Schulz
RM: Here's how chief steward Wally Dallenbach remembers it:

"Technically speaking, Alex went off course to take the lead, but that's no different than somebody putting all four wheels under yellow line on an oval to make a pass or Lloyd Ruby putting two wheels in the grass at Indy. What Zanardi did was clean, he didn't hit anybody, he was in control and he pulled it off. Unprecendented? Yeah but it was an amazing event and pass for the fans. Nobody contested it, and we didn't want to take away the glory of what happened. And there wasn't a hard and fast rule about going off-course to gain a position. Besides, I did enough things for Zanardi to think I had it in for him, and that was a classic move and he didn't deserve to have it taken away."

http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints/it ... mitstart=5

As I said, track limits had yet to become an issue in 1996.

[MonteCristo]

Can't say I agree with the sentiment, but, at the end of the day, if you allow it, they'll do it.

[erwin greven]

[Andy]

On this day 93 years ago Murray Walker was born.

Happy Birthday, Sir

[Everso Biggyballies]

On this day 93 years ago Murray Walker was born.

Happy Birthday, Sir

He is in remarkably good nick, complete with all his marbles (other than his ongoing battle with cancer) for his vintage.
Happy Birthday Murray.

[Michael Ferner]

My oh my, 93 years! Didn't make his old man slower then, did he?

[PTRACER]

Happy birthday Murray. You may be having your 93rd, but I certainly wish you many more!!!

A little news snippet from July:

Murray Walker makes heartbreaking admission that he is 'too frail' to attend British Grand Prix

Murray Walker has admitted he is too frail to attend this weekend’s British Grand Prix

The commentating legend says his race is run when it comes to watching his beloved sport live.

The 92-year-old has worked in the sport for over 65 years and has pre-recorded an interview with Freddie Hunt, son of British racing star James, for Channel 4 to use during their programme this weekend.

But sounding disappointed, Murray told the Mirror: “I will not be going this weekend.

"I am an old man, my legs aren’t what they used to be. You know four days of walking about at a Grand Prix is very hard work indeed.

“I would rather quietly stay at home. You certainly know what is happening if you are looking at the box because the coverage is so good and the graphics are so good, you miss nothing. And you can miss things if you are there.

“You never like to say never but I think I have been to my last Grand Prix.

“And do I like it? No I don’t. But you work with the hand you are dealt.

“I did a big piece at Silverstone that is going out as part of this weekend’s coverage. So I wont be there, but I will be there in spirit and on the box.”

Murray said he would continue to work in the sport “until my dying breath” and hopes to sit down and interview Lewis Hamilton before the end of the season for Channel 4.

“I have always been passionate about it and I am sure I will be and will go on as long as I can put one foot in front of each other,” he added.

Hitting back at Lewis’ critics, Murray said: “I think people are being very mealy-mouthed and I think there is an element of envy in this or resentment in this.

“Lewis Hamilton can be talented enough and free thinking enough to win a race, devote himself to everything you have to do to finish first, then get out of his car, get into his private jet and fly to America, hob nob with showbiz personalities, do some hand gliding in Colarado and a bit of surfing in Australia.

"He is living a life most people would love to have and it doesn’t seem to be affecting his races, so why complain?”

[PTRACER]

Btw, "When Murray met Freddie Hunt"...short piece from a few months ago, but try and watch it without getting a tear in your eye. I dare you.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Great interview ..... yes, a bit of a lump in the throat I have to admit. Amazing similarity to his Dad.
Thanks Paul for sharing.

[Michael Ferner]

Well, I don't like to disagree with a legend, but "you are just like James"???? He may look like him, and sound like him, but otherwise he's so not-James!