Making Headlines

For one young man it has been quite a memorable weekend.

I am not of cause talking about the break-up of Prince William and his long term girlfriend, because quite frankly I don’t really care. Why newspapers devoted page after page to this non event is beyond me. Especially on a day where two British helicopters had crashed in Iraq.

The only newsworthy part of this story is the great idea that one major high street chain have been left with warehouses filled to the brim with “Commemorative Royal Engagement Memorobillia” Soon surely coming to an internet auction site near you!

I myself once made a similar premature assault on the memorobillia market. If anybody desires a “Hear’Say 10th Anniversary!” Commemorative garments then they are wildly availiable from several landfill sites around the country.

The great news as far as I am concerned is the continues success of the man simply known now to millions as Lewis. He has in the space of a month joined that select band of British sports stars who no longer need a surname: Johnny, Tim, Paula & Freddy! Even the mighty David Beckham never quite got into this club!

Lewis Hamilton’s journey from Child karting prodigy to Britains great Grand Prix hope as been a long one, and only I have followed with interest in the pages of Autosport.

I remember it as if it were yesterday my first glimpse of an even babier faced Lewis Hamilton, then in his first season of Formula Renault.

I've seen over the years now quite a few drivers come up through the junior ranks, and none of them made such an impression on me. I knew on that day that I was there in the first chapter of a World Champions Autobiography!

Of course in the second race he slammed it into the tyre wall right at my feet - something he would again do at Donnington a few weeks later leading JB to the idea that I may be some kind of cursed talisman. (It’s OK Ron – I’m not going to Silverstone this year!)

Now he has re-written the history books by claiming 3 podiums in his first 3 races. The first time in my memory that a Grand Prix record has gone to anyone other than a certain Herr Schumacher.

If he can take a win before the French GP on the 1st July then he will surpass jackie stewart as Britains fastest ever GP Winner (per no of starts).

It’s a rare thing for Britain to have a star we can universally get behind, and an even rarer thing to have one who can exceed even our lofty expectations. Today people who have never even watched a grand prix are talking about yesterday’s result, and anticipating the results to come.

The most telling thing about Lewis Hamilton’s phenominal entrance to Grand Prix motorsport is that after just 3 races, it just seems like he has been there for years.

This kid is special, and I’m sure we have seen nothing yet. I am off to ladbrookes to put £50 on him for Sports Personality of the Year!