John Surtees patiently watches the temperature gauge on a Ferrari 158 F1 before heading out on the track during the Barber Vintage Festival in 2006.
The only man ever to win World Championships on two wheels and four, John Surtees is without question one of the great figures in motorsports. A gifted rider who worked as an apprentice for Vincent in his early years, Surtees went on to win seven World Championships riding for MV Agusta before moving to Formula One in the early 1960s. Now, a group of enthusiasts and supporters are pressing a petition drive to put the “Sir” in Surtees with an official knighthood.
We learned of the drive thanks to an email from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, where Surtees has been a regular fixture, twice honored as the featured guest of the Barber Vintage Festival. This is a worthy endeavor, honoring Surtees for all he has done to elevate motorsports. If you’ve been touched by Surtees, whether through following his exploits in print or watching him race in person, we encourage you to help put the “Sir” in Surtees by supporting this petition: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/sirjohnsurtees
And don’t forget to spread the word. – Richard Backus