PAST IMPERFECT:"UNLESS I'M very much mistaken. . ." No introduction other than that phrase is needed for the subject of today's column. The inimitable Murray Walker, for all his foibles or perhaps at least partly because of them, has been beloved of several generations of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
Now retired, Murray was born in 1923 at Birmingham. Murray's father Graham was a despatch rider in the British army in the first World War, and retained his love of motorcycles right throughout his life.
At one time a works rider for the Norton motorcycle company, Graham Walker was also the editor of a motorcycle magazine as well as a talented commentator. Small wonder that in such an environment Murray grew up with a passion for motorsport.
The start of the second World War saw Murray join the British army where he learned to drive in a Ford 15cwt truck before progressing to driving a tank and seeing action in Germany in 1945.
Returning to civilian life, Murray became an assistant to the advertising manager of Dunlop while in his spare time rode a 250cc dope-engined AJS in trials and grass track events with moderate success.
Deciding that he had a penchant for advertising, Murray next found work as a copywriter in the creative department of Aspro.
Around the same time Murray began a parallel broadcasting career with the BBC doing commentaries on all sorts of motorsport events.
Murray next joined McCann Erickson, then the world's biggest advertising agency, working on the Esso account.
Two years later he switched to Masius Advertising where he was to remain for the rest of his business life, working on Mars confectionery and associated accounts.
There was a turning point in Murray's career in 1979. Then 56-years-old, he had been with Masius for 20 years and the BBC had just taken the decision to broadcast all of the Formula One Grand Prix.
Eventually, deciding that he wanted to develop his broadcasting career, Murray moved on in 1982 and became a freelance motorsport commentator.
What followed was a quite extraordinary career perhaps best summed up by Michael Schumacher's description of him: "Murray's enthusiasm and breathless energy are an inspiration to us all."
Initially teamed with ex-Formula One champion James Hunt the two formed an unexpectedly close and productive partnership which made even the dullest race seem like an unmissible thriller.
Following Hunt's death, Murray formed a new partnership with Martin Brundle, in the process making a very unexpected move from the BBC to ITV.
At Indianapolis in 2001 Murray finally called time on his broadcasting career, recalling the most memorable moment as being Damon Hill's win at Suzuka in 1996 when he won the World Championship - "And I've got to stop now because I've got a lump in my throat."
For most of his fans, however, Murray Walker will be best remembered for his "Murrayisms" - those phrases that he somehow got slightly mixed up but which were always memorable.
A few gems include: Murray: "There's a fiery glow coming from the back of the Ferrari." James Hunt: "No, Murray, that's his rear safety light."
And my own favourite: "Here comes the gallant little Frenchman Alain Prost, almost home for his sixth Grand Prix win - nothing can stop him now!" As Murray spoke those words, Prost hit a wet patch, spun into the barrier, lost a wheel and retired.