Motorsport legend Jacky Ickx was honored at the Autosport Awards on Sunday evening, when the eight-time Grand Prix winner and six-time Le Mans victor was the recipient of a Gregor Grant Award.
As one of the sport's greatest all-rounders who competed and won in sportscar racing, F1, Can-Am and in the grueling Paris-Dakar, Ickx's lifetime achievement recognition was long overdue.
After receiving his prize from fellow sportscar legend and nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, the 73-year-old delivered a heartfelt speech in which he acknowledged the privileges he enjoyed and praised the tireless efforts of those who had helped him along his way.
"What I admire is the satisfaction to have done the right job and it is clear that without them, even if you have the talent, you need them," Ickx said.
"It is easy to drive a good car in the way, it is much easier [with the right people] and timing plays an important role.
"It was a privilege to race Jim Clark, to have known Fangio, Stirling [Moss], all my admiration as he was incredible. It was nice to drive for John Surtees, Bruce McLaren and Jackie Stewart who gave me my first lesson.
"The thing to know, because Jean [Todt] mentioned it, safety in those years you could not leave home on Friday without being sure that you would be back the next Monday.
"All these improvements in motor racing through the years, it was dangerous, and I am happy to see the young generation going into a system where there is battles and fights but they can do it with a maximum of safety."
