It did not occur to me when posting that American's do not follow Formula 1. I have no idea who is NASCAR champion so i doubt you would know him anyway.
He dominated F1 for a decade. I was never really a supporter of Schumacher because he is German. I have to admit he is one awesome driver.
There were unsubstantiated rumours that he was one of Top Gear's Stig's. Not sure if true, perhaps Odeon will know.
My all time favourite driver was Ayerton Senna. R.I.P.
I take an interest in racing cars, used to follow my eldest brother who competed in Rally and was co driver in a Mitsubishi Evo. He got quite far but acts as a steward now as he is an old fart.