Believe me or not I just got back from vacation in Orlando FL. I ran into Michael at a mall. It was so funny because nobody in the mall even recognized him. My wife and I walked up to him and mentioned that he looked an awful lot like Michael Schumacher and in his very distinct German accent he said "I get that a lot". He was very gracious and signed my wife's shirt for her. I can't believe that nobody else even noticed him. Then again this is the US.
I met Michael Schumacher
Started by
kevinro
, Apr 25 2007 00:16
43 replies to this topic
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#2
robnyc
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 00:21
Originally posted by kevinro
Believe me or not I just got back from vacation in Orlando FL. I ran into Michael at a mall. It was so funny because nobody in the mall even recognized him. My wife and I walked up to him and mentioned that he looked an awful lot like Michael Schumacher and in his very distinct German accent he said "I get that a lot". He was very gracious and signed my wife's shirt for her. I can't believe that nobody else even noticed him. Then again this is the US.
Very cool dude. Even though I do not sympathize with Michael as a person it must have been awesome to get his autograph if you are his fan.
I ran into Montoya once at the airport in Miami with Connie and the baby but unfortunately I was not able to get his autograph because I was in the middle of checking in my bags and he was on his way out.
#3
fastlegs
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 06:14
What a great experience that must of been for you Kevinro. 
It must be a welcome relief for Michael to go where ever he wants in North America without getting too much attention.
It must be a welcome relief for Michael to go where ever he wants in North America without getting too much attention.
#4
jcbc3
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 06:30
Which he then did.
Sorry to piss on your parade, but I think we, as fans, should allow the stars their privacy, when not on official functions.
Sorry to piss on your parade, but I think we, as fans, should allow the stars their privacy, when not on official functions.
#5
Powersteer
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 06:32
Met michael Schumacher and Stirling Moss in 1999. Both completely ignore me, like I did not excist. Stirling Moss was trying to talk up Schumacher and was ignored as well. Ralf too came to the scene minutes later.
#6
Menace
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 06:56
Michael must really like visiting US... honestly.
#7
lustigson
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 07:03
For sure.Originally posted by Menace
Michael must really like visiting US... honestly.
#8
Dmitriy_Guller
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 07:05
For sure.Originally posted by Menace
Michael must really like visiting US... honestly.
#9
Dmitriy_Guller
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 07:06
You know what they say about great minds.
#10
lustigson
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 07:56
Yeah. They're a joy forever.Originally posted by Dmitriy_Guller
No, wait...
#11
kar
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 08:00
Originally posted by Menace
Michael must really like visiting US... honestly.
I think he likes the relative anonymity. Plus he wants to be a cowboy or something.
#12
Man of the race
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 08:37
Did you ask about his NASCAR plans? 
#13
K-One
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 08:44
Was he updating his wardrobe?
#14
RDM
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 09:01
Very cool. Sounds like you approached him in a fairly discrete manner too, which I am sure he appreciated, as his relative anonymity in the US is something he enjoys, but I'm sure "done right" the occasional bit of recognition whilst there doesn't bother him.Originally posted by kevinro
Believe me or not I just got back from vacation in Orlando FL. I ran into Michael at a mall. It was so funny because nobody in the mall even recognized him. My wife and I walked up to him and mentioned that he looked an awful lot like Michael Schumacher and in his very distinct German accent he said "I get that a lot". He was very gracious and signed my wife's shirt for her. I can't believe that nobody else even noticed him. Then again this is the US.
#15
schead
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 09:05
Originally posted by K-One
Was he updating his wardrobe?
He was probably shopping for a Stannah.
#16
roadie
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 09:13
Probably with more ridiculous cowboy outfits. Honestly, I am glad his fashion sense has left F1!Originally posted by K-One
Was he updating his wardrobe?
#17
Hacklerf
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 09:34
Originally posted by roadie
Probably with more ridiculous cowboy outfits. Honestly, I am glad his fashion sense has left F1!
strangely i liked his fashion
#18
ensign14
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 09:35
Originally posted by kevinro
My wife and I walked up to him and mentioned that he looked an awful lot like Michael Schumacher and in his very distinct German accent he said "I get that a lot".
What a shame though you didn't say he looked a lot like Ralf Schumacher.
Did he bump into you in a queue?
#19
AFCA
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 10:14
But thinking about it really, the fact that hardly anyone recognizes him (probably the most well known F1 character ever) goes to show how unpopular F1 is in America...
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#20
djned
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 11:02
Originally posted by RDM
Sounds like you approached him in a fairly discrete manner too, which I am sure he appreciated, as his relative anonymity in the US is something he enjoys
haha, this made me think of that scene in 'coming to america' where the vendor at the basketball recognises eddie murphy...hahahaha
#21
Peri_Piket
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 12:03
The famous Schumacker in USA is the Army sponsored drag racer.
#22
Rosemayer
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 12:23
Yes last Saturday my son had lunch with Tony and his dad at Route 66 Raceway.
#23
holiday
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 15:40
Originally posted by kevinro
Believe me or not I just got back from vacation in Orlando FL. I ran into Michael at a mall. It was so funny because nobody in the mall even recognized him. My wife and I walked up to him and mentioned that he looked an awful lot like Michael Schumacher and in his very distinct German accent he said "I get that a lot". He was very gracious and signed my wife's shirt for her. I can't believe that nobody else even noticed him. Then again this is the US.
Schumacher likes the US a lot and has been motorbiking several times with his closest friends there. I believe he must be very happy that formula 1 counts so little in the US.
#24
Lifew12
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 16:34
Originally posted by kevinro
He was very gracious and signed my wife's shirt for her.
You would think that, woth all his money, he could afford some paper.
To be honest though, i'm surprised he didn't barge into you and knock you over in order to make sure you didn't beat him to the exit, or stand in front of you repeatedly so that you could not complete your transaction.
#25
Ferrari_F1_fan_2001
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 16:37
I have a Bosnian friend and work colleague called Said (prononuced Sayeed) who looks just like Michael Schumacher too. I mentioned it to him and he told me that when he got married and was on the plane back to England from Bosnia two people went upto him and asked him "Are you Schu-maha?" (Said cannot pronounce Schumacher properly, it's quite funny acutally ) and he said he get it alot too.
Me and another friend are planning to hire a Ferrari out this summer (maybe a 360 Spyder) and get Said to drive it into town or something wearing a Schumacher/Ferrari cap just to gauge the reaction of some people. He's got the same hair, nose, eyes and chin too. It's bloody hilarious when customers walk into the shop and take a good look at him and when Said says 'Salaamalaykum' to them they're quite taken aback.
) and he said he get it alot too.Me and another friend are planning to hire a Ferrari out this summer (maybe a 360 Spyder) and get Said to drive it into town or something wearing a Schumacher/Ferrari cap just to gauge the reaction of some people. He's got the same hair, nose, eyes and chin too. It's bloody hilarious when customers walk into the shop and take a good look at him and when Said says 'Salaamalaykum' to them they're quite taken aback.
#26
Dolph
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 18:28
Originally posted by Lifew12
You would think that, woth all his money, he could afford some paper.
Originally posted by Lifew12
To be honest though, i'm surprised he didn't barge into you and knock you over in order to make sure you didn't beat him to the exit, or stand in front of you repeatedly so that you could not complete your transaction.
He is retired, you know ;)
#27
IOU 16
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 19:58
I met him at Mackinac Island ( tourist spot in michigan) a few years ago. In a fudge shop. He gave me an autograph and he paid for our fudge. The thing about now one reconizing him is because he is in F1, not the most followed of seies.
#28
kevinro
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 20:00
The funny thing is after it happened I was so excited but not having any friends that enjoy F1 like I do I had nobody to tell. It is also funny that you mention his cowboy outfits because he was in a western wear store when I met him. (Shepler's if you ever heard of it) All I know is that it was a very exciting for me.
#29
Group B
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 20:06
:yawn:Originally posted by Lifew12
You would think that, woth all his money, he could afford some paper.
To be honest though, i'm surprised he didn't barge into you and knock you over in order to make sure you didn't beat him to the exit, or stand in front of you repeatedly so that you could not complete your transaction.
#30
Group B
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 20:08
Originally posted by IOU 16
I met him at Mackinac Island ( tourist spot in michigan) a few years ago. In a fudge shop. He gave me an autograph and he paid for our fudge . The thing about now one reconizing him is because he is in F1, not the most followed of seies.
That's just sooo cool.
#31
Georg_Kuyumji
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 20:40
Originally posted by Powersteer
Met michael Schumacher and Stirling Moss in 1999. Both completely ignore me, like I did not excist. Stirling Moss was trying to talk up Schumacher and was ignored as well. Ralf too came to the scene minutes later.
Could you explain that whole situation a little bit more please?
#32
AFCA
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 20:47
Originally posted by IOU 16
I met him at Mackinac Island ( tourist spot in michigan) a few years ago. In a fudge shop. He gave me an autograph and he paid for our fudge. The thing about now one reconizing him is because he is in F1, not the most followed of seies.
Nice story too
Indeed, other racing series are far more popular in America, that's why I personally don't see anything in (rather unrealistic) ideas like holding a race in Las Vegas or whatever...
#33
pio!pio!
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 21:09
Originally posted by kevinro
The funny thing is after it happened I was so excited but not having any friends that enjoy F1 like I do I had nobody to tell. It is also funny that you mention his cowboy outfits because he was in a western wear store when I met him. (Shepler's if you ever heard of it) All I know is that it was a very exciting for me.
LOL a western wear store!!! Schuey's belt buckle is not large enough for him!
#34
inaki
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 21:15
It happened exactly the same to me in VIP room of American Airlines (Admiral's club) in Miami, Florida with Allan McNish and Juan Pablo Montoya. They are not as famous as Michael, for sure, but in US they are clearly more anonimous than anywhere else. And they enjoy it.
#35
MONTOYASPEED
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 21:46
In 2005 my gf and I saw Ralf Schumacher at the Petronas Towers in Malaysia a few days before the GP. Ralf was with a much older guy (not his dad) and he was wearing a pink shirt. I told my gf "That's Ralf Schumacher" (I didn't say it loud) and as soon as he heard his name they started walking away from us.
Obviously, in a way...
Originally posted by Menace
Michael must really like visiting US... honestly.
Obviously, in a way...
#36
scheadle
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 21:57
Originally posted by MONTOYASPEED
In 2005 my gf and I saw Ralf Schumacher at the Petronas Towers in Malaysia a few days before the GP. Ralf was with a much older guy (not his dad) and he was wearing a pink shirt. I told my gf "That's Ralf Schumacher" (I didn't say it loud) and as soon as he heard his name they started walking away from us.
Obviously, in a way...
Ahh, so Ralf enjoys gardening on slants? That was rather cruel of you to out him in such a public manner.
#37
Vilenova
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 22:07
He must really enjoy not getting swamped everywhere he goes.
#38
Bernd
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Posted 25 April 2007 - 23:53
Originally posted by AFCA
But thinking about it really, the fact that hardly anyone recognizes him (probably the most well known F1 character ever) goes to show how unpopular F1 is in America...
Back in the 60's Jimmy Clark would get mobbed in the States and his passing was front page news there. Probably cause he beat em at their own game, Indianapolis back when it meant something.
#39
OO7
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Posted 26 April 2007 - 00:28
Originally posted by djned
haha, this made me think of that scene in 'coming to america' where the vendor at the basketball recognises eddie murphy...hahahaha
Oh my goodness!.....OH MY GOODNESS!!!.....I CANNOT BEEELIIIEEEVE IT!!!
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#40
Rexx Havoc
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Posted 26 April 2007 - 01:34
Originally posted by Vilenova
He must really enjoy not getting swamped everywhere he goes.
what I think would be funny is someone coming up to him to ask the time and not know who he is and watch his reaction ... surely he would laugh at his relative anonymity in america
#41
Flynnie
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Posted 26 April 2007 - 01:58
Open wheel racing as a whole was a hell of a lot more popular back then. It was basically the Indy 500, a few sports car races and F1. NASCAR was a Southern thing. Jackie Stewart won Sportsman of the Year in 1973 from Sports Illustrated, which almost always gives it to someone from the big US sports.Originally posted by Bernd
Back in the 60's Jimmy Clark would get mobbed in the States and his passing was front page news there. Probably cause he beat em at their own game, Indianapolis back when it meant something.
F1 leaving Long Beach and Watkins Glen was dumb dumb dumb.
#42
Rexx Havoc
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Posted 26 April 2007 - 02:05
going to The Glen today with F1 would be kinda like going to Hungaroring ... circuit wise
#43
Flynnie
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Posted 26 April 2007 - 04:57
Or Suzuka.Originally posted by Rexx Havoc
going to The Glen today with F1 would be kinda like going to Hungaroring ... circuit wise
#44
F1Ohio
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Posted 27 April 2007 - 13:02
There's a Cabela's in my hometown (Wheeling, WV). I'm hoping to run into him there sometime when I'm back home visiting.
