Thread: John Surtees
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4th April 2011, 16:30 #11
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I was fortunate to see Big John in his prime, mostly in sports cars, I really admired him as a driver.I agree with Markabilly that Ferrari's best chance at another WDC title in the early 3 litre days, was lost when he let Surtees go. Sadly this was also true for Surtees's chances.
He is one of a few greats to win with 3 different teams, there is no doubt he could drive anything, whatever number of wheels involved. I believe I read once that he admitted to spreading himself a bit thin, in attempting to run his own outfit. By that time, 1970, he had probably run out of competitive options.
I have no understanding of the British honours system, but outside the country,they counts for very little.
John Surtees was, and remains, a class act whatever awards come his way.
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4th April 2011, 17:35 #12
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Originally Posted by Don Capps
I think the reason that John Surtees hasn't been knighted relates to the question "What did he do after racing?" A brief search turned up that he had a motorcycle dealership but nothing else. I think he also invested in property. But essentially nothing public since his racing days.
Sir Stirling and Sir Jackie have been ambassadors for the sport (aka pundits). Sir Frank was a very successful team owner while Sir Jackie was a somewhat successful one. Sir Malcolm and Sir Henry lived in a different age where the World Land Speed Record.
was a major achievement. Since then we have been to the moon ...
I agree that Tony Vandervall deserved some recognition maybe an MBE or OBE rather than a knighthood.
D28,
I don't know which country you are from. Many countries have a formal honours system - you do something meritorious so you get honoured for it. Certainly, France and Italy have formal systems. eg Mario Andretti and Michael Schumacher are both "Commendatores"Duncan Rollo
The more you learn, the more you realise how little you know.
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4th April 2011, 18:51 #13
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Originally Posted by D-Type
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4th April 2011, 19:32 #14
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Originally Posted by D28
I don't think we'll ever see a guy that capable again, especially since drivers these days get little education (both academic and real life) outside their driving careers any more. I've chatted to him once or twice at Goodwood and he's still sharp and demonstrates that keen intellect in his insightful comments despite his age. He certainly didn't deserve the loss of his son but his dignity afterwards also spoke volumes about his character.
For me a knighthood would be nice but it wouldn't change my opinion of him at all if he didn't get it.
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4th April 2011, 19:42 #15
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It must be said, though, that there are those — Alan Jones being one — who look on their time in the Surtees team with less than fond memories.
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4th April 2011, 19:46 #16
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Originally Posted by BDunnell
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4th April 2011, 20:04 #17
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In the United States, we have the much-abused "Presidential Medal of Freedom," there often being recipients whose deeds justifying such an award being puzzling at best -- the number of recipients in the entertainment industry is mind-boggling, or nonexistent at worst -- especially in the case of the political hacks who seem to always make up a part of each list, both political parties being quite guilty of this sort of nonsense. Hence, I have more than a bit of a cynical attitude regarding the award.
Truth in advertsing advisory: My "Aunt Katherine" recieved the award in 1982, but that was in large part due to the president at the time being a show biz person -- along with her having just survived a stroke that should have proved fatal and, sadly, left her literally speechless for the rest of her life.Popular memory is not history.... -- Gordon Wood
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4th April 2011, 20:05 #18
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Originally Posted by Dylan HPopular memory is not history.... -- Gordon Wood
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4th April 2011, 20:46 #19
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Originally Posted by Dylan H
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4th April 2011, 20:48 #20
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Originally Posted by BDunnell
https://youtu.be/42j1kvxp65U
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