With the announcement of Michael Schumacher's retirement, I came to realize that he deserved a tribute of some sort from The Pond. After all, love him or hate him, he's far and away the most successful F1 driver in history.

But I also came to realize that I couldn't write it. I'm just not a fan of his, and I knew that I'd not be able to do his illustrious career justice.

So, I sent an e-mail to the biggest Schumi fan I know: Mallory M. She's not been seen around The Pond for a while, due to insufficent computer disease, but she used to be a regular 'round these parts.

She also writes a regular column at World Wrestling Insanity, where she moved to after a successful regular beat at the most popular wrestling website around, The Torch.

After the jump, Mallory's Tribute to The Man We Call 'Parky.' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formula 1 is an acquired taste. I acquired it without realizing it a few years ago. I'm not really sure what sucked me into F1. It might have been the tracks in faraway places with scenery that was spectacular and exotic. Part of it was certainly the best announce team in racing. And then there was someone named Michael Schumacher who seemed to win every race. I'll admit to having a soft spot for the pageantry of the podium ceremonies with Michael Schumacher on the top step. Pretty soon I was getting up early to watch the races from start to finish. They were no longer just background noise on the Speed Channel.

Everybody loves a winner, and Michael Schumacher is definitely a winner. He's the very best at what he does and I was shocked when his tenure with Ferrari ended the way it did. Here's your hat and what's your hurry?

I'm sure the real story will come out in dribs and drabs, but Sunday mornings will not be the same without M. Schumacher in the racing line-up.

Is it possible that he will be sitting in another seat at some point in time? I certainly hope so.

Will Kimi (or whoever) be able to fill Schumey's formidable seat? To use a NASCAR analogy, Kurt Busch couldn't wait to get into the legendary Rusty Wallace's car this year. He got the seat, but it didn't help him win races.

Sometimes the best laid plans go right down the drain, and Luca Whatiznamo--whom Michael was so eager to get away from last Sunday--may not have that sly grin on his face this time next year.

Time will tell.

And as WWE would say...best of luck to Michael in his future endeavors.

Posted by: Wonderduck at 01:58 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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