John Surtees MBE dies at the age of 83

[Tony oily bike]

The term "legend" is over used, however its well suited to John Surtees - the only man to have won the Grand Prix world championship on both two wheels and four, and a TT winner to boot. He also set up his own Grand Prix team.
There's loads to read about the man on the web, so here are just two links.

Photo taken at Goodwood back in 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/39235608

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Surtees

[Tony oily bike]

......and here's photo of John and late Denis Jenkinson at Shelsey Walsh having a day hillclimbing

Don't know who to credit the photo to, but it could be the late Bob Light

[Tony oily bike]

John gave a very interesting talk at Brooklands in May 2015. Here’s a photo of his Formula 2 Surtees Ford TS10/2 that he won the ’72 Japanese Grand Prix in.

[Manky Monkey]

As you say Tony, another legend gone. Never met him, or even saw him race, but even I know his name.
They really don't make 'em like that any more.

[morrag]

I saw him race for the first time back in the 50's, at Aberdare Park, on a Manx Norton, no knees down, or elbows! just neat and tidy, and very, very, quick! RIP John Surtees, one of a kind.....

[minimutly]

Indeed, at least he made the magic 80 - with some to spare. A legend and a gentleman.

[JayJay]

......and here's photo of John and late Denis Jenkinson at Shelsey Walsh having a day hillclimbing ...

Are you sure it's not Chevy Rick on that bike? That beard looks very familiar.   

As for Mr Surtees, whenever I have read an article about him they have always stressed his gentlemanly nature as well as his skill on the circuit. He has also done a lot of charitable work, especially since his teenage son died in a terrible racing car crash. I am surprised he was never knighted especially when you consider those who have been.  

Competing against the likes of Barry Sheen and Mike Hailwood, John Surtees remains the only motorcyclist to have won BBC Sports Personality of the Year which shows just how popular he was.

A life lived well.  

[Tony oily bike]

At the Goodwood Members Meeting, as a salute to the great man, there was a "moment of noise". Proper stuff!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UGVpgjF44c


Interstingly a similar thing was planned for Jenks...........

Jenks died in late 1996, and the following year there was a Jenks Marquee at the Festival of Speed, and instead of the usual minutes silence, there was to be a “minutes noise”, however “politics” gained the upper hand and the noisy minute never happened..............