But to Norman Greenway, of Scole, these are not just stars he admired on the television screen or was transfixed by at the race track, these are legends he interviewed, shared commentary boxes with and socialised alongside.

"They were different, they were just the lads," said the former BBC radio commentator.

"It's not like today, they weren't surrounded by minders. It was not just with me, it was everybody. It was so open.

"There was no side to them; no 'I'm a big deal'. Graham Hill was a real character."

Hill's name raises a particular chuckle from Greenway.

Immediately he recalls motor clubs' presentation nights where Formula One stars, like Hill, were more than happy to take part in the night's cabaret.

In the midst of Beatlemania in the 1960s, Hill, Clark, Les Leston and Peter Jopp, were transformed into John, Paul, George and Ringo, with the help of some mop top wigs created by Greenway's wife Barbara.

And when the theme was Miss Motor Racing World, Hill, Stewart and Moss donned bikinis and swim suits, with pictures from the night making the national newspapers.

When pushed to give a favourite, he opts for the two-time Formula One champion Clark.

Greenway said: "He was the most modest, shy and retiring Formula One champion you'll ever meet and he was brilliant. He's the only world champion I met, and I knew a few, who said 'can I buy you a drink?'. Such a nice guy."

Greenway was born in South Wales and brought up in Gloucestershire, before he served in the Royal Air Force for four-and-a-half-years during the Second World War. After moving to London, his first trip to watch motor racing was at Crystal Palace in 1955 and he was instantly hooked.

Greenway was used to announcing and singing in dance bands and was not fazed by the chance to commentate on a hill climb race at Stapleford Abbotts.

After his first appearance, he was asked to commentate at a circuit that he would later become very familiar with, Snetterton.

His encyclopedic knowledge instant recalls it was August 1, 1958, and he was doing the hairpin bend for the 750 Motorclub.

"I knew I was terrible," said Greenway.

"Suddenly there was a whole host of cars coming towards me and I didn't know what to do. Later on I realised that you have got to learn the colours – you don't go on numbers because you can't see them half the time. I thought that was it – I've blown it."

But he had not because he was asked to do the next meeting and became a first reserve at Goodwood.

He was quickly promoted though when Stirling Moss had a terrible crash at the track and one of the commentators let his mouth runaway with him.

"The golden rule is you don't talk about crashes," said Greenway.

"You only say something if you see the driver get out of the car and walk away and you say he's all right. If there is anything doubtful, you don't mention it.

"He kept on, 'he's opened his eyes I think, I think he's moving'.