End Of An Era...

Today signaled the end of an era
in motorports; it is the end of an
era that will be remembered the
way names like Fangio, Clark, Moss,
Prost, and Senna are remembered.

Michael Schumacher, Seven times
Formula 1 World Champion, raced
his final race, and went into
retirement, at the age of 37.

He is the most accomplished driver
of all time, holding every record,
except for most Grands Prix raced.

After 16 seasons, he put on his
helmet for the last time in Brazil today.

I started watching Formula 1 racing
on May 1st, 1994... possibly the darkest
day in modern Formula 1; the day that
Ayrton Senna died.

That was also the day that the
Schumacher-era began. At the young
age of 25, Schumacher went on to
dominate Formula 1 for the next 12 years,
outlasting challenger after challenger;
Hill, Villeneuve, Hakkinnen...

I watched every race during those 12 years,
through all 7 of his championships, and
have attended 3 Formula 1 races in Montreal,
where I saw Michael win twice, and his
brother Ralf win once.

I know that this doesn't have a great
significance in the big scheme of things,
but it is a nostalgic time for me, and for
all Formula 1 fans. I was still in University
when Schumy won his first championship,
and now I have been out of University for
10 years. So much has happened during
that time.

I watched the race at a friends house today,
who has been a big Schumacher fan with me
during these past 12 years. We have rejoiced
in his victories, and argued with his detractors.
This may be a big LOL for everybody reading
this, but I think we both had a tear in our
eyes as Schumacher climbed out of his car
for that final time at the end of the race.

It was a fantastic race though, with one of
Schumacher's most brilliant drives of his career.
A fitting way to end such a long and successful
career, even though he couldn't quite get
that 8th championship after such a wonderful
second half of the season.

Many people dislike Schumacher for some
of his tactics over the years, but so many
more liked him for his brilliant driving. It
was a combination of all that he was that
made him so exciting to follow.

Formula 1 will definitely not be the same
without him... even when the next great
champion begins his reign.

Forza Ferrari! Forza Schumacher!

DB.