Dinner with John

As you’ll read in this month’s news—and likely learned from our web site back on March 10—multi-time motorcycle and Formula One World Champion John Surtees has passed away at the age of 83. While we make mention of his passing in this issue, next month we will feature a unique tribute and look back at Surtees’ many accomplishments, both with memories from many of the legendary figures he raced with and a unique collection of rare photographs. So, while we will honor Surtees with a fitting tribute next month, I didn’t want to let this issue go without at least saying something about John Surtees the man.

We’ve been extremely fortunate to count many legendary racers as friends of the magazine. John Surtees’ association with VR stemmed from his willingness to help a charity. Back in 2004, our European Editor, Mike Jiggle, had the brilliant idea to honor the 40th anniversary of Surtees winning the Formula One Drivers Championship and in so doing, create a charity dinner that would raise funds for the UK-based “NARA-The Breathing Charity” organization that supports those in need of critical breathing devices. Surtees was uncertain of the need to “honor” his anniversary, but was only too happy to lend his support to benefit the charity. And so began what would become a 13-year friendship between Surtees and the staff at VR.