Sorry if I worried anyone--Just haven't heard anything about him since he retired.
How is F1 these days? I stopped getting it about 5 years ago--it seemed like the well had run a little dry. Has it gotten better?
Years of exposure to loud engines and age-related hearing problems left Murray with hearing loss in both ears. In 2006 he became chief ambassador for David Ormerod Hearing Centres, the high street Audiology chain that fitted his hearing aids and in January 2007 he was an active name in Hearing Clearer Awareness Month which focussed on helping people understand the importance of getting their hearing tested frequently. There is a video featuring Murray on the David Ormerod Hearing Centres website: http://www.davidormerod.co.uk/ In July 2007 Walker commentated on the European Grand Prix for BBC Radio 5 Live. This was a one-off in place of regular commentator David Croft. On March 20 2008, while being interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live, Walker was asked if he'd consider a return to the TV commentary box when Formula 1 returns to the BBC in 2009. He answered "Never say never". On June 28 2008 Murray was honoured by the people of his hometown and presented with a "Star" on the Walk of Stars on Broad Street in Birmingham. According to sources, it was announced on Friday April 25 2008 that Bruce Willis may play Walker in an up and coming Hollywood film about Michael Schumacher.http://itn.co.uk/news/a1b631c357357c7412315867b4ffbce5.html On Sunday, 6th July 2008, Murray reprised his role as commentator for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for BBC Radio 5 Live. "This is an interesting circuit because it has inclines, and not just up, but down as well." "Only a few more laps to go and then the action will begin, unless this is the action, which it is." "This has been a great season for Nelson Piquet, as he is now known, and always has been" I'd be happy for Murray to do some work for the BBC, but maybe he is now past his best as a commentator.
I have been a subscriber for only about 10 years. So it's difficult to tell you whether there is improvement in content. I live in the U.S. which means that I get the magazine in the mail several weeks(probably 1 month) after it is published. This means that most of the news is history. However, I do find some of the writing insightful and overall, I enjoy the magazine enough pay the hefty susbscription fee.
I miss his commentary and when he would curse drivers to DNF! haha. I was so happy he did the commentary for the 2006/7 Australian GP's! Plus many more here http://www.worldmotorsport.com/murray/
I saw a motorcycle race about a week or two back where he was the commentator. Surprised me to see that!
He was past his best about 1946. No-one ever listened to Murray Walker to undertsand what was happening in a race. They listened to him because of his enthiasm. He started out commentating on bikes and his father was a motorcycle racer. Jonathan
Agreed...Murray Walker, nevermind him being an icon and a true enthusiast, had to be one of the more annoying annoucers ever. I couldn't stand listening to him, which is why I'm glad I live in the States.
He was signing books at the silverstone classic car weekend in August! He seemed in great form, although a little deaf!
Yes, I know; they even mentioned that. Still, I hadn't heard of him doing such work (calling bike races) for a long while.
Jack, he still giving memorable interviews, did you see his DVD called Murray Walker's most memorable moments in Grand Prix racing?
I subscribed from the very first issue and loved it for about 5-6 years. I used to read it cover to cover, and even articles that at first glance looked dull would be pretty good reads. But it seemed to lose the ability to find interesting stories after a while. At least for me. I kept buying it sporadically for a few years, but I found myself picking up MotorSport more frequently.
