OK this one almost caught me by surprise. I say almost because I've actually heard this guy's name before today. Now I'm not one of those folks who actually keeps up with Formula One racing, in fact the sport has been going downhill for a while, and they keep thinking of new ways to revitalize it. Well Lewis Hamilton might be the guy to do that.
Today Hamilton won the US Grand Prix. He's only 22.
Rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton did it again, racing to his second straight Formula One victory in Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix.
The first black driver in F1's 61-year history has finished all seven races this season in the top three. He now leads Mercedes McLaren teammate and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso by 10 points in the standings.
I'm a car freak, I must admit. OK maybe a car fan, but I really am about the technology, not so much about the thrill of being a fan of the celebrities. But race drivers are no joke in the skills department.
A young, good looking guy like Lewis, who his folks named after Carl Lewis, the sprinter, has a good chance to bring a lot more attention to the sport.
Of course lots of blackfolks are going to claim him in the old ritual. And much bloviation will follow about breaking barriers. Maybe my bow Willie T. Ribbs will get some play out of this. His debut a decade or so at the Long Beach GP where he failed to win any commanding titles left the hoo-rah section a little cold and limp, and of course Ribbs had serious attitude. So he wasn't about to be placed in anybody's poster. That's something rather common about F1 and certainly superbike racers. They are incredible egos, like jet fighter pilots, they simply don't downplay it. So if Hamilton is like other speedsters, and unlike the Aw Shucks crew in NASCAR, then his adolation from the black rank and file may come late if ever. I can't see him trying to get an interview with Tavis or Oprah.
Tavis? Oprah? Where do we get these names?
Anyway, congratulations to Hamilton. Another black person at the top of another pile. Get use to it.
Here is a great interview with Hamilton to give you an idea.
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