Early in the 20st century, John Surtees was at the hi top of fame, and that was understandable given the fact that this unique man is the only one who won world titles in both two and four wheelers. On February 11, 1934, in the English county of Surrey, he was born to parents who had keen interests in motor racing.
Surtees’ career in motorcycles was amazing. He was a seven-time Grand Prix motorcycle World champion with MV Agusta. The first championship was won in 1956 and in the late 50s he won six titles in just four years. It is worth mentioning that he was the first rider to win three times in a row Senior TT at the Isle of Man, which speaks volume about his abilities.
In 1960, Surtees moved to Formula One and two years later he was driving for Ferrari when he won the World Championship in 1964. After sustaining a serious injury from a crash at Mosport in 1965, The Surtees progress was remarkable; He was back to racing, and winning as usual.
Once he retired in 1972, he begun Surtees Racing Organization, participating in numerous contests, thus further cementing his name in the sport history.
Surtees was a family man as well. Their son Henry, however, a talented racer, tragic situation occurred in 2009, and he perished in a crash. To keep his memory alive, Surtees founded the Henry Surtees Foundation in order to raise awareness for safety in racing.
Apart from this, he has also been enshrined in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE. John Surtees is an exemplary figure who shows that it is quite literally possible to be the best among the rest if you love what you do and work hard.
