on air diary...
SUMMER OF SPORT
posted by Lee McKenzie on 28/06/2009
Silverstone, Wimbledon and Goodwood Festival of Speed all within 2 weeks - not a bad way to spend a few days!
I’ve never experienced such a good atmosphere at the British Grand Prix as this year - okay Jenson Button and of course Lewis Hamilton couldn’t give the crowds something to cheer about but the record number of fans were determined to enjoy themselves at what might (might not now!) have been the last Grand Prix at Silverstone. The misconception by those in charge is that the fans of motorsport care or have any interest in their world of internal politics and egos. Quite simply none of us are bothered about the men who make the decisions; we just want the championship safeguarded and the battles to be done on the track and not in court rooms!
It was a busy week for me, plenty of work, presenting awards, music concerts and being interviewed for lots of magazines and newspapers. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a driver! I finished the weekend exhausted.
The days after that were much more relaxed with 3 trips to Wimbledon, one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. On the Tuesday I was on centre court and saw Andy Murray opening his championship campaign. Wednesday was an unbelievably hot day on Court 1, and the perfect excuse to drink some Pimms to keep cool (like anyone needs the excuse). I ventured there with the Dutch racing driver Renger van der Zande (www.trustrenger.com) who was musing how easy it is to be a tennis player in comparison to a driver - no sponsors, spares budgets or paying for seats - just some talent and a racket and off you go! He had never been to Wimbledon before and had a great time, watching courtside and on the big screen on the hill.
On Friday I was lucky enough to have a front row seat to watch Roger Federer and later on Novak Djokovic. It was fantastic to see these top 4 players in the world close up and the talent and vision they possess was breathtaking. It is going to be an outstanding final week of tennis. Let’s hope Scotland’s, sorry Britain’s, Andy Murray can go all the way!
Next on the agenda for me is the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a fabulous weekend for any one interested in motor sport. Some of the best cars and bikes from the last 25 years will be driven and ridden by some of the best drivers and stars of the future. It is a chance to get up close and personal with the stars of the sport including Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. If you see me over the weekend come over and say ‘hi’. It will be nice to see you all.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Lee x
