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Long ago photograph of a jubilant Michael
Schumacher during the Ferrari glory days. (The Tomaso Collection)
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I find that each year that passes with Herr
Schumacher in his current Catatonic State, I feel a wider range 'O emotions
regarding this, especially since I typically do not even think about him for
great stretches of each year...
Inside the Hidden World of Michael Schumacher: Five Years On from F1 Legend's Life changing Accident
As what a Horrible way to spend five years of
your life! Trapped inside a Shell, but not being able to speak, walk or go to
the bathroom unaided, presumably... Not to mention feeding yourself, standing
unaided or getting dressed!
Hence, All of this Michael Schumacher conjecture
over his current status tends to make me think of 'Ol Willie Nelson's remake of
a Classic song 'bout Just Droppin' in to See What Condition your Condition's
in?
For which in some symbiotic, karmic way 'O synchronicity,
I just so happened to be at Suzuka when he clinched the record that day Wayback
on October 12, 2003. Finishing an unremarkable eighth to break Juan Manuel
Fangio's record of five F1 World Championships held since 1957.
And I still to this day, do not truly understand
why I was so enamoured by Michael. Who's the only racing driver I've ever been
so smitten with to wish to visit his Hometown and museum, not to mention
attending both Home Races at the legendous' Nurburgring during the height 'O
Schuey Mania, and then followed several years later at Hockenheim, Ja Volt!
As I've just hung
up my framed 1992 Camel Benetton Ford Team poster with a fairly fresh face
Michael sitting on one wheel of his No. 19 Benetton racecar with the entire
team posing behind him, and his team-mate, a Bloke known as Martin BillyBob'
Brundle opposite him...
While my diminished affinity for Schuey these
days is understandable, especially since his legendess' further shrinks away
each season. While I've also been fortunate enough to see thee "four
Horsemen," aka Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet
in action prior to Michael's arrival in Formula One. Leaving me only modestly
impressed with the exploits of Sebastian Vettel & Lewis Hamilton.
As All of those
legendary past F1 Drivers have presumably faded into thou History Books for
most current day Fans, Eh?
As I believe that F1 Grizzled Journo' Joe
Saward's written more than once that nobody in Der Fatherland truly understands
what caused thee Schumacher Mystique? And probably never will, but for whatever
reason, I was a true Dyed in the Wool Michael Schumacher Fanatic!
And it's funny how I've just had my framed
1997 Melbourne Grand Prix poster brought from Down Under that very year also hung
on the wall at my new Tomaso Manor, nee My "bungalow by The Sea."
Since even Michael's unbelievable antics of attempting to Turf Off Jacques
Villeneuve for the title later that year didn't dissuade me from my total
admiration over him.
As I didn't lose respect for Michael until '06,
when he Farcically Parked his Ferrari against the wall in Monaco to deny that
Smarmy Spaniard Fernando Alonso securing Pole position. Along with a rather
NASTY Squeeze Job on ex-team-mate Rubino' against the Pit Wall at a rather high
rate 'O speed!
And although the very first year I tried seeing
Michael in the Flesh Trackside was a Bust, being the year he broke his leg
before departing for Italy. Hey, Formula 1 didn't appear to be coming Stateside
anytime soon then, having waited eight years and what better place to see
Schuey than at Monza, Righto?
But instead, it would be Mary Ellen offering
to drive me to Indianapolis for the '01 USGP instead for my first peek at
Michael No less! And Nah, NO Danica
Patrick Peaking Jokes here; Hya!
In another note of Ye Synchronicity, it
wouldn't be until my seventh Grands Prix that I'd witness Michael win the race,
for which if Yuhs know anythingy' about Michael, than you'll know how he was apparently superstitious over his
racecar numbers, and definitely preferred odd numbers, including running No. 7.
Yet probably today my best memory, of many
regarding Michael, as Bloody Hell! I've been to Italy, Germany, Japan and
Indianapolis to S-E-E Him Race! Would have to be the final time I witnessed him
live at Mother Speedway in '06, when I thoroughly enjoyed doing my Schuey
impersonation of waving thou invisible Baton
during the Italian National Anthem, after Michael's magnificent victory that
overly H-O-T July day!
Alas, as I seem to say each 'N every year, I
get the need for the Family's privacy, but; having contributed greatly to
Michael's wealth, as I'm still surrounded by my vast cache 'O multiple Diecasts,
pictures, trinkets, T-Shirts, hats et Al from thee Michael Schumacher
Collection. And still somewhat a Fan of His.
Does this mean we should at least be given a
brief glimpse at our Fallen Hero? Or at the very least a current photograph of
him confirming he's still semi-awake? Or was I just a Fool for helping make
Michael the Sport's first Billionaire F1 Driver? Which is now helping pay for
his son Mick's fledgling Single seater career...
Happy 50th Birthday, Michael
(Schuey paraphernalia from The Tomaso Collection)