John Surtees, the only person to win world championships on both two and four wheels, was awarded a CBE in Britain’s New Year’s Honours list 2016.
The Order of the British Empire “recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.” After being made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1959 and an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008, the 81-year-old has now been honoured with Commander of the British Empire.
The award is in recognition of his services to motorsport and the charitable work of the Henry Surtees Foundation, named in honour of his son, who lost his life in a Formula 2 crash at Brands Hatch in 2009. The foundation provides support for those who have suffered injuries in accidents.
John Surtees said, “I am obviously honoured to receive this further recognition. It is recognition, as far as I am concerned, not only for myself but for the world of two and four wheeled sport and the teams I have worked with. Fast forward to more recent times I would thank and include in this honour all those that have helped and supported our dreams, ambitions and work for the Henry Surtees Foundation.”
John Surtees enjoyed a competitive career dominating the British circuits in 1954 and 1955 before starting his World Championship career on two wheels with winning the 500cc Isle of Man TT and the 500cc World Championship for the first time. John had ridden Triumph, Vincent, REG, NSU and Norton before joining MV Agusta. He recorded 38 motorcycle grand prix wins.
The Brit won four 500cc and three 350cc world titles from 1956-1960 alongside six Isle of Man TT victories.
John Surtees combined contesting and winning two World Motorcycle Championships in 1960 with being invited to join Colin Chapman’s Lotus Formula One team to drive when his motorcycle commitments allowed. He finished second in the British Grand Prix and set pole position and record lap and led the Portuguese Grand Prix until having to retire late in the race
Retiring from motorcycles at the end of 1960, after a transition to four wheels, he took his first Formula One Grand Prix victory at the Nurburgring in 1963 in his first year at Ferrari before going on to win the world championship the following season.
He finished second in the 1966 Formula One World Championship driving two marques of car after his split from Ferrari and his joining the Cooper Maserati team. He won the inaugural Can-Am Sports Car Championship Series in America driving a Lola T70. A move to Honda followed for 1967 and with the RA 301 in which John played a large part in its development; he won the 1967 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Surtees also enjoyed success in prototype sportscars winning at circuits such as Sebring, Nurburgring and Monza. He gained a podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1964.
He started his car construction race programme in 1968 building F5000 race cars which gained Championship successes in both the UK and America. In 1970 the F1 operation followed which gained non-championship successes and World Championship podium positions. In 1972 the F2 car was introduced winning the European Formula 2 Championship with Mike Hailwood and a second position in 1973 with Jochen Mass.
[Source: Henry Surtees Foundation; photo: Autosports Marketing Assoc.]
Congratulations and best wishes to John Surtees!
Still, as someone who has contributed so much, he deserves far greater recognition than this.
ive followed his career over the years. a true champion on and off the track. thank you.
…it is more and more convenient NOT to call Mr. Surtees… ”Big John” …happy for him to be recognised ”à juste titre” but, everytime I had the pleasure to witness one of his ”performances” (…including this: First Can-Am race ever) he showed the way to the best there was at the time…Many Thanks…!!!
A CBE is a step in the right direction, but a knighthood is long overdue. Until he gets one, I’ll consider the system flawed.
If anyone wishes to see the sheer bravery and determination of this man then take a look at motorcycle road racing on The Isle of Man circuit. Well deserved Mr Surtees you are a true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for Motorsport.
This is Great but I’ve wondered why it isn’t Sir John Surtees as others on this page. I watched his first Can-Am races at Laguna Seca then went to Riverside for the final, great fun.