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Murray Walker

Kirsty Young talks to motor racing commentator Murray Walker.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the broadcaster Murray Walker

His commentating career began in 1948 and he finally hung the lip mic at the end of 2001. His trousers-on-fire style of delivery brought excitement, emotion and fanatical obsession to Formula 1 - for many motor racing fans he was motorsport.

He was a petrol-head before the term had even been coined; his father, one of the top motorbike racing champions of his day, ignited his son's life-long love of big noisy engines.

He's talked British fans through so many of the sport's greatest victories - Damon Hill crossing the finish line to win the World Title brought an audible lump to his throat. But also, inevitably, there have been great tragedies too - his live commentary on Ayrton Senna's fatal crash in 1994 was possibly his most professionally demanding.

He says, "I have always believed that Formula One, with its highs and lows, is the ultimate distillation of life."

Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 21 Mar 2014 09:00

Music Played

  • Fleetwood Mac

    The Chain

    • Rumours.
    • Warner Bros.
  • Γ‰mile Waldteufel

    The Skater's Waltz

    Performer: The London Pops Orchestra.
    • The Nutcracker and More Classic Christmas Songs.
    • Michele Records.
  • The Military Band & Pipes of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

    Amazing Grace

    • Scottish Favourites Volume 2.
    • Scotdisc.
  • Andre Rieu Orchestra & Mirusia

    Waltzing Matilda

    • World In Union: Rugby World Cup 2011 - The Official Album.
    • Decca.
  • Commentary by Graham Walker.

    Isle of Man 1961 TT Sound Stories

    • Isle of Man 1961 TT Sound Stories.
    • Stanley Schofield Productions Ltd.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Chris Barber

      South Rampart Street Parade

      • South Rampart Street Parade..
      • Bell Records.
  • John Philip Sousa

    The Stars and Stripes Forever

    Performer: United States Marine band.
    • Carmen Symphony.
    • Naxos.
  • Glenn Miller Orchestra

    American Patrol

    • Classic Tracks 1940-1942.
    • KAZ.
  • Book Choice

    • How to Survive Anything, Anywhere: A Handbook of Survival Skills for Every Scenario and Environment - Chris McNab

  • Luxury Choice

    • A hammock and pillow

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Murray Walker
Producer Cathy Drysdale

Broadcasts

  • Sun 16 Mar 2014 11:15
  • Fri 21 Mar 2014 09:00

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