"I can't believe what's happening visually, in front of my eyes".
Published on 24 July 2003 by Thorsten Hendriks
"I can't believe what's happening visually, in front of my eyes".
Standing in the pits at the Silverstone Circuit is not everyone's ideal day
out.The ear-splitting noise of revving engines, the acrid smell of high octane
gasoline and the frenetic movement of men bent on bringing home fame and
fortune, seemed at first to be no place for a woman.
But as time passed the sounds become synonymous with the action and the
smells wafted by like a sensuous Parfum du Paris. There was passion in
the air.
The men and the action looked better by the hour and then by the minute.
And as time moved inevitably by, if all those who were overalled and
helmeted knew how closely they were being studied they might have passed a
glance a girl's way. A moment's eye contact alone would have melted my
heart.
Well now for the serious stuff!
After my action packed time in the pit straight my adventure took me "back stage"
To a more subdued and relaxing area, a place that few people get to see on the TV,
the hospitality units. We were sitting down at a table in front of a plasma screen TV sipping a cup of fabulous cappucino, when I heard from the next table "blah blah blah, Murray, blah blah " then the sound of laughter, it took a few seconds for my brain to make the connection between the name Murray and F1.
No, I thought, I thought he had retired years ago..... I checked over my husband's shoulder and guess who my eyes fell on? YES THE Murray Walker, my day was made, my hero. My hands were sweating, I could feel my heart beating fasting and faster, should I or shouldn't I go and ask him for his autograph, I never normally ask as famous people do not really mean much to me, but Murray Walker is different. Just to think a legend was sitting on the table next to us chatting and drinking coffee. I sat down quivering all over, I had done it, I will frame the autograph with a photo from the day and place it on the wall of my favourite little boy's bedroom (my only little boy).
To cut a very long story short we saw Niki Lauda, someone called McNish, erm.... a guy called Frentzen, but most importantly Jos Verstappen passed just inches from me. Oh yes and Justin Wilson was also there, boy is he tall. I must explain that I only have a passing interest in F1, my heroes are Murray Walker, David Coulthard and Damon Hill, I am a singer (opera) and singing teacher so please excuse my ignorance.
I would like to thank Graham Reddaway for the fabulous introduction, doesn't he make me sound
attractive? He obviously hasn't met me yet. Thank you to Raymond for making this happen and to my husband for keeping it secret until my birthday. I just hope that the Silverstone Grand Prix is (as Murray would say)" GO GO GO" next year.
Ta ta and toodles.
Ann
