John Surtees

John Surtees was born on February 11, 1934, in Tatsfield, Surrey, England. He grew up with a passion for motorsports, influenced by his father Jack Surtees, who was a motorcycle dealer and sidecar competitor. John went on to become a renowned racing driver and is the only person to have won world championships on both two and four wheels.

John Surtees made his debut at the Isle of Man TT races on June 12, 1955. Although he did not win, this event marked the beginning of his connection with one of the most challenging motorcycle racing events in the world. Surtees's participation in the TT races early in his career contributed to his development as a premier motorcycle racer.

John Surtees claimed his first Grand Prix victory in the 1956 Ulster Grand Prix held on June 30. Competing in the 350cc class, Surtees showcased his exceptional skill and talent on two wheels. This win marked the beginning of an extraordinary career in motorcycle racing, where Surtees would go on to become one of the most successful riders, winning multiple world championships.

John Surtees secured his second consecutive Motorcycle World Championship title on September 1, 1956. Competing in the 500cc class with MV Agusta, Surtees dominated the season, showcasing his exceptional racing prowess and strategic acumen. His back-to-back championships solidified his status as a formidable competitor in the world of motorcycle racing.

On August 18, 1958, John Surtees achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the 350cc and 500cc world championships in the same year. This double victory showcased his versatility and superior skills across different motorcycle classes. Surtees's ability to succeed in multiple categories made him one of the most celebrated figures in motor racing history.

John Surtees made his debut in Formula One racing on June 11, 1960, at the Monaco Grand Prix. Although he did not finish the race, this marked the beginning of his transition from a successful motorcycle career to motor racing on four wheels. Surtees's entry into Formula One heralded a new chapter that would culminate in him becoming a world champion.

On September 17, 1960, John Surtees won the Senior Tourist Trophy (Senior TT) on the Isle of Man. This victory was a significant achievement in Surtees's illustrious motorcycle racing career. The TT races are some of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, and the Senior TT is the ultimate race in this event. Surtees's victory cemented his reputation as one of the greatest motorcycle racers.

John Surtees was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on December 28, 1963, in recognition of his services to motorsport. This honor acknowledged Surtees's outstanding achievements and his contributions to the sport, highlighting his impact on both motorcycle and automobile racing at the highest levels.

John Surtees won the 1964 Formula One World Championship on October 25, 1964. He drove for Scuderia Ferrari and clinched the title in dramatic fashion during the final race of the season, the Mexican Grand Prix. Surtees is the only person in history to win world championships in both motorcycle grand prix racing and Formula One, having previously won multiple 500cc motorcycle world championships.

On March 20, 1966, John Surtees, alongside co-driver Mike Parkes, won the 12 Hours of Sebring, one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsport, held in Florida, USA. Driving for Ferrari, Surtees's victory at Sebring further demonstrated his exceptional skill and versatility as a driver, adding another notable achievement to his career.