John Surtees, a renowned figure in the world of motorsports, was born on February 11, 1934, and passed away on March 10, 2017. This Englishman left an indelible mark on the sport, exceling as both a Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and a Formula One driver.
Surtees' impressive career saw him claim the 500cc motorcycle World Championship a record four times, in 1956, 1958, 1959, and 1960. He further solidified his legacy by becoming the Formula One World Champion in 1964, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. What's more, he is the only individual to have achieved World Championships in both two-wheeled and four-wheeled competitions.
In addition to his on-track accomplishments, Surtees was the founder of the Surtees Racing Organisation, a team that competed in Formula One, Formula 2, and Formula 5000 from 1970 to 1978. He also served as the ambassador for the Racing Steps Foundation, a testament to his enduring influence in the motorsports community.
Throughout his life, Surtees was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport, earning the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). His remarkable legacy continues to inspire and motivate new generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
