John Surtees (even his name sounds like a racing driver's... fast) was surely one of motorsport's greats and he was one of the last of that "golden age", and always seemed to be such a nice man when I saw him on TV. I seem to remember being aware of him when I had my first Scalextric when I was about 8...
And wasn't it his eponymous team's car which had the Durex sponsorship which the BBC always tried to avoid showing because it might have been a bit rude and may have offended "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells"? Excellent work John! F1 needs more characters like that these days.
Well done Mr Surtees for all your achievements and continued involvement in the sport throughout your life. Sadly missed.
A very sad day. A true gentleman lost to the world :(
A legend, on two as well as four wheels.
Sorry to hear this. I too was a big fan of him when I was young.
What a great, and brave, man he was.
At least he made it to a fair old age, many of his colleagues died on the track.
He raced in an era that was much more dangerous than the sports are now.
Yes indeed. None of the fireproof suits, armour plating, barriers, etc.
Four Motorcycle World Championships and One Motor Racing Championship - that will never be repeated... a true Champion..
And a really nice guy. He always came across brilliantly in the interviews of the day.
After John's son Henry died racing he set up a Foundation in Henry's name to help others. He turned a personal tragedy into good for others. The quiet way he carried his successes on two wheels and four and his terrible personal loss was a testament to his character.
Good-bye John and thank you for the memories.
Such a sad loss.
I had the pleasure of meeting John when I was a schoolboy - we attended the same primary school and he came back, as a true gentleman would, to give us a pep talk and, well, just say hello.
I remember my father explaining to me the significance of his achievements. As Greybeema says, they will never be repeated.
You will be missed John.
Daniel
I've just had a look through some photos of JS online and found the following evocative page which is well worth a look, especially the 7th photo down where he has his knee down. Outstanding. Look at that bike control and the way he only really has his left knee and lower leg hooked over it.
https://selvedgeyard.com/2011/02/19/big-john-surtees-the-lone-racer-motorcycle-f1-world-champion/
Just try to keep your attention on JS and not some of the links on the right hand side, that's all I'd say.
Quote from: GroupC on March 11, 2017, 10:26:25 AM
I've just had a look through some photos of JS online and found the following evocative page which is well worth a look, especially the 7th photo down where he has his knee down. Outstanding. Look at that bike control and the way he only really has his left knee and lower leg hooked over it.
https://selvedgeyard.com/2011/02/19/big-john-surtees-the-lone-racer-motorcycle-f1-world-champion/
Just try to keep your attention on JS and not some of the links on the right hand side, that's all I'd say.
Odd. The 7th photo is captioned "
This pic is often credited as being John Surtees scratching on his father's Vincent in the 1950s. But it's been proven now, by his own acknowledgement that it's not.". ???
Thanks for the link though @GroupC (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2036) , some wonderful evocative shots. My fav is the 13th, closely followed by the 6th.
A true gent. A true sportsman. A real champion.
R.I.P. Sir.
Just picked up on the news.
A great loss indeed and as said, a rather special bloke.
Dave G
Quote from: RailGooner on March 10, 2017, 09:55:00 PM
A legend, on two as well as four wheels.
also at Brands Hatch he took the new (1965) Bond 875 three wheeler around the track and is unbeaten to-date for that class of vehicle lapping at speeds over 100 mph .
(low compression Hillman Imp (Commer Van) unit )