Graeme Murray Walker, OBE, probably has one of the most distinctive voices in sports commentating; indeed, his voice has either endeared or annoyed millions of fans over the years.

Love him or quite simply hate him, he has been at the forefront of motor racing commentating for more than 50 years.

He made his debut in 1949 (unbelievable!) alongside Max Robertson. Of course we didn't really start hearing THAT voice until the 70s when each Formula 1 race was given commentary, eventually going full-time in 1978.

Walker has commentated on the Isle of Man TT, Motocross and Rallycross. From 1980 to 1993 he struck up an unlikely commentating partnership with ex-driver James Hunt. The pair initially did not like each other but the combination of Murray's energetic and sometimes frenetic style was complemented by Hunt and his expert knowledge.

Amazingly, Walker spent most of his working life in advertising and did most of his mircophone work during his retirement years.

Through his sheer enthusiasm for the sport and his commentating style you were always certain to hear what would later be known as Walkerisms or Murrayisms, his best and most famous tongue-twister being: "I'll stop the startwatch!"

There was never a dull moment when Walker was commentating. Many comedians and impressionists took great pleasure in imitating the man. There are rumours that when F1 returns to the BBC, Walker may be tempted out of retirement again to get back in the driving seat.

Indeed, he has made a couple of one-off appearances in recent years, most notably for BBC Five Live in July 2007 for the European Grand Prix. It was after this that he was asked about a full-time return to commentating for the 2009 season, to which Walker replied: "Never say never."

At the end of what was officially to be his final race commentary in 2001, Murray was presented with an original brick from "The Brickyard", the Indianapolis speedway track, by track president Tony George.

It is an honour usually reserved for the winning driver of a race at the famous circuit. Unfortunately for the 84-year-old Walker, years of exposure to loud engines and old age have resulted in loss of hearing in both ears. It hasn’t stopped him doing what he loves and he has become an ambassador for the David Ormerod hearing centres.

A true gentleman of the sport and a great ambassador, it is hoped that he will participate in at least one more F1 season. It is also about time that Murray was given a knighthood for his services to the country and his favourite sport.