Discussion
Very sorry to hear this and it seemed rather sudden too. When I worked at FOM, in 98 (I think) John used to demo the 1955 Fangio Mercedes before a select few Grands Prix. At one of them, Hockenheim I think, I managed to collar him as he brought the car into the back paddock after a run. There was no-one around but the two of us as he switched off and got out of the car. I asked him how the car was and with full eye contact he replied 'It's fantastic'. I proceeded to get his autograph and wished him a good weekend, he returned the compliments. I have posted this here before, but here's a little video I produced a few years ago of one of the Edenbridge Fun days ;
https://vimeo.com/116074428
https://vimeo.com/116074428
lotus72 said:
Very sorry to hear this and it seemed rather sudden too. When I worked at FOM, in 98 (I think) John used to demo the 1955 Fangio Mercedes before a select few Grands Prix. At one of them, Hockenheim I think, I managed to collar him as he brought the car into the back paddock after a run. There was no-one around but the two of us as he switched off and got out of the car. I asked him how the car was and with full eye contact he replied 'It's fantastic'. I proceeded to get his autograph and wished him a good weekend, he returned the compliments. I have posted this here before, but here's a little video I produced a few years ago of one of the Edenbridge Fun days ;
https://vimeo.com/116074428
Did he drive it at the British GP in 98? If so he was one of the first people I saw drive a racing car of any sort on a race track! I had the honour of opening a door for him a few years ago in the Brands Hatch media centre, a momentary brush with a legend but he was so polite and cheerful that I always remembered it! https://vimeo.com/116074428
m444ttb said:
The word legend is tossed around all too easily these days, but John Surtees certainly qualifies. A sad day for both the two and four wheeled motorsport fraternities.
Totally agree with that. To be a World Champion on both 2 and 4 wheels is an incredible achievement which I can't ever see being repeated.
I spent an evening in his company once. He was very funny, irreverent and increasingly un PC as the evening went on - and that was only in his conversation with me! He then got up, spoke for a couple of hours and was moved with the monies we raised for his charity. I never saw him once refuse an autograph or a word with a fan. A true legend and a true gentleman, the likes of which we may never see again. And so much more worthy of a knighthood than many who have received that honour.
I was very saddened to hear this news this morning. Condolences to his family.
For whatever reason I have always been impressed by sportsmen who can excel in more than one discipline. That's why John Surtees was right up there at the top of my heroes list, probably about equal with Jackie Ickx. And let's not forget Alex Zanardi for that matter.
I marshalled at Brands Hatch for about 10 years and saw JS there a few times in the garages. Always seemed a cool and relaxed atmosphere around him.
For whatever reason I have always been impressed by sportsmen who can excel in more than one discipline. That's why John Surtees was right up there at the top of my heroes list, probably about equal with Jackie Ickx. And let's not forget Alex Zanardi for that matter.
I marshalled at Brands Hatch for about 10 years and saw JS there a few times in the garages. Always seemed a cool and relaxed atmosphere around him.
This is worth a read http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/lunch...
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