BootsOntheSide
15 Jun 2003, 16:21
1976 World Champion turned controversial outspoken (and not just on motor racing) commentator James Hunt died suddenly of a heart attack 10 years ago today, aged just 46. His showings in the private Hesketh team rattled the top teams and earnt him a McLaren drive, which he used to take the title after Lauda's Nurburgring crash. He retired in 1979 after a poor move to Wolf,then became Murray Walker's BBC colleague. Initially, the pair ahted each other, but eventually they gelled into a rgeat team. By his latte ryears Hunt toned down his excessive playboy lifestylre, but it was all too late.
Peter Mallett
15 Jun 2003, 21:08
Boots.
You don't always inspire me to comment with what you right but you hit the nail with this one.
Like the loss of a good friend I miss James and some, but not all, of the others in this particular forum. And yes I have got damp eyes as I write this.
ghinzani
15 Jun 2003, 21:42
Agreed - you may not have agreed with him always (his admittedly coloured view of Patrese most notably) but he always had an entertaining opinion. A top bloke, what a shame he never lived to see his best years as a person.
Anyone know if his estranged wife let their kids kart or anything similar? I always wondered what happened toJames's house in wimbledon, and in particular did his big alsatian outlive him? and who got his budgie collection?
Him and Barry Sheene were mid 70s Racing for Britain, probably the first two I was ever aware of.
Does'nt 10 years go quickly..
Knowlesy
17 Jun 2003, 21:36
10 YEARS!?! Christ almighty!
RIP James
Still miss his commentary - he was great. So sad that he died just as he was getting everything sorted out.
His house was on Bathgate Rd I believe. No plaque or anything, I think. Used to see him on Wimbledon High St in his A35 van. Fantastic commentator (even tho' he was WRONG on Patrese) especially whenever Jarier was being lapped!
simon drabble
28 Jul 2003, 12:30
He was a truly outrageous man and anecdotal stories about him from those who knew him never fail to crack me up. He clearly was a great bon viveur as well as a talented and ballsy driver. I loved his commentary - its a pity there isn't anyone like him in the current F1 circus either on or off the track.
James was definitely his own man.
And the world was a better place as a result.
