Lewis Hamilton

[Nobby Diesel]

Not LM, I know.

However, deserved congratulations should go to Lewis Hamilton for securing an F1 seat for next year, with McLaren.

I'm not an F1 fan, but I've watched this young fella drive this season and he has some real skill and ability IMO. If he drives the coming season like he drove the last, I might start watching again.

It's also being reported that he is F1's first black driver. I can honestly say, it never crossed my mind what colour he was. I've seen him drive, interviewed and present. He only struck me as a thoroughly good guy. Good luck to him.

[termietermite]

Here, here Nobby.  Would have been better news if he'd got a drive in Sports Cars, but I guess not for him.
As to the black thing - anything that helps to encourage a different section of society to enter Motor Sport is a good thing.  Let's hope he does for his sport what Tiger Woods has done for golf and the Williams sisters have done for tennis.  If he gets a fan base who support him because of his talent, and not his race, this can only do good for the world as a whole in my opinion too.  A few years ago, several racing (of the four-legged hay-burner variety) pundits were asked what they would like for Christmas.  John Oaksey's response was "I'd like to see the first black champion jockey".  Lewis Hamilton, world champion, Amen to that.

[Boorish Grobian]

Its interesting that for a sport that promotes itself as so cutting edge, that its one of the last disciplines of motor racing to include a black man among its competitors.  Champcar, NHRA, bike racing, even NASCAR, all have broken down the color barriers long before the elitist F1 establishment.  The 2006 AMA Supercross Champion James Stewart is African American.  Its interesting that the AMA Supercross championship is the second most watched (in TV ratings) motor racing series in the US behind NASCAR.
Fax

[Lorry]

........It's also being reported that he is F1's first black driver. I can honestly say, it never crossed my mind what colour he was. I've seen him drive, interviewed and present. He only struck me as a thoroughly good guy. Good luck to him.

I didn't know untill it hit the papers.  Its strange that there aren't more, as generally (if I'm allowed to say that) they make good sportsmen, and the only previous one was the american whose was backed by Bill Cosby, whose name I can't remember. 

I'm hoping that this is raw talent shining through, not daddy's cash as with so many F1 drivers (even Senna)

Andy Priaulx's daddy only had enough money for hillclimbs, and with three consecutive international touring car championships under his belt, I get the feeling he could have given Schumaker  a run for his money, but then I'm biased.

[Nobby Diesel]

It's an interesting point.

Thinking about what a white, male dominated sport motor racing and spectating is has got me thinking.....
I know we have a number of girls on here ( and a good thing too), but do we have a mixture of races, colours and creeds?

It's never crossed my mind before.

Anyone?..........

 

[oldtimer]

The ethnography of F1 reflects the basic inequalities that (still) pervade in modern society.  I am gratified to see Lewis making a success in this type of privileged arena and hope he can pave the way for others to follow.

[Andy Zarse]

I know we have a number of girls on here ( and a good thing too), but do we have a mixture of races, colours and creeds?

It's never crossed my mind before.

Anyone?..........

Being a woman, I cupped my breasts with joy when I read your comment Nobby. The Zarses originate from Khazakstan, which is of course currently in the news because of a certain Mr Borat Sagdiev, and we are I believe related.

[Andy Zarse]

The ethnography of F1 reflects the basic inequalities that (still) pervade in modern society. 

First comes man.
Then comes horse.
Then comes goat.
Then comes woman.
Then comes rat.

[termietermite]

Too true Andy, men so often do come before women, but I believe you can get pills for it these days.

[Andy Zarse]

Too true Andy, men so often do come before women, but I believe you can get pills for it these days.

And before the horses and goats but they don't tend to complain so vocally.

PS Don't ask me about the pills either, it was a salutary lesson I can tell you.

[Steve Pyro]

PS Don't ask me about the pills either, it was a salutary lesson I can tell you.

So you mentioned 

[Robspot]

Shame he didn't have any sunday 

[Andy Zarse]

I know, you looked like you needed "perking up" after our first visit to the coffee shop. 

[Robspot]

Too true my friend!

I think that set the tone for the night.