One of South Africa’s most recognizable motor sports personalities, Jackie Pretorius, died March 30, succumbing to injuries received during a home-invasion robbery. That incident was a virtual repeat of a similar break-in five years ago that took the life of Jackie’s wife, Shirley, and is thought to have been committed by the same people since they had recently been acquitted of the earlier charges.
Hailed as one of the most colorful characters in the history of South African racing, Pretorius first gained notice in the mid-’60s for his performances in the national Formula One championship with an LDS-Alfa, and subsequently made three starts in the South African Grand Prix. He later moved into sports cars, contesting the famous Springbok Series; then became involved with stalwart sponsor Wynn Oil, for whom he served as a spokesman for 34 years.
