FEATURE NEW MEMBERS : PARTING SHOT
We remember …
It seems that we have lost too many people in recent times and the sport has recently mourned , in particular , four individuals who all played a significant role in motor sport .
Murray Walker , of course , was a household name and for many people he was the voice of motor sport . He was the man who brought Formula One to the masses with his irresistible blend of passion , knowledge , and outright enthusiasm . As a commentator Murray had few equals and his knowledge of the sport went way beyond Formula One and Grand Prix racing . As well as being a complete enthusiast , he was a kind and generous man who was loved by all for his dedication and professionalism . He could commentate on Grand Prix racing , touring cars , or anything else that came his way . And to all of them , he brought his unique brand of knowledge and enthusiasm . He lived a long and full life until his death aged 97 and will be greatly missed .
Sabine Schmitz tragically died far too young , at the age of 51 , following a battle with cancer . She was the queen of the Nurburgring with unrivalled knowledge of the incredible track that few could ever hope to rival . Her speed in the car , her boundless enthusiasm , energy and sense of fun marked this remarkable lady who came to the attention of the British public with guest appearances on Top Gear . The recent Top Gear tribute programme on BBC1 was a fitting celebration of a seemingly fearless lady who was lost far too early .
Keith Greene was 83 when he died in March and was a successful racer in the 1950s and 1960s , rising to race internationally after following his father Syd into the sport . Keith raced extensively from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s , racing all the way up to Formula 1 and at Le Mans .
After his racing career wound down , he became a renowned team owner , team engineer and enjoyed great success across the sport , including in Grand Prix racing , international sports ca racing and British Touring Cars . He will be fondly remembered by all of those who came into contact with him and worked with him .
At just 62 years of age , Johnny Dumfries tragically lost his battle with cancer . Johnny started out as a seemingly penniless racer in Formula Ford and got all the way to Formula One with Lotus and victory at Le Mans for Jaguar . Of course , he had another life in Scotland , where his official title was the 7th Marquess of Bute . When his racing career finished he took his position within the family and worked tirelessly to preserve and develop the estate in southwest Scotland , that gave him his official title .
Four very different individuals , all brought together by a love of the sport and all tragically lost in the last few months . We salute them .
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