John Surtees meteoric rise to prominence in the early 1960s and the greatness he achieved aren't well reflected in the record books. Many believe he could have accomplished so much more had he, on occasion, cast aside his independent spirit and stringent set of principles.
His fervor and enthusiasm for motor racing never dissipated even during the difficult years of team ownership. And later on in his life, his insatiable passion was rekindled when his talented son Henry picked up the mantle as he rose through racing's junior ranks.
Henry's tragic death in a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch in 2009 left John and his family grief stricken and painfully distressed. But true to his force of character, he refused to resign from life, and instead devoted his time and energy to the Henry Surtees Foundation, a charity he led in its quest to assist people having sustained accidental injuries.
Il Grande John.
Purchase prints of many of these classic images (and many more) from the extensive Cahier Archive
