New Years Honours

[john9700]

Just read in the news that local racing legend John Surtees has been named to receive a CBE in the New Years Honours.
In the 1960's he owned a m/c shop in my local '30s built High St & when the furniture shop recently moved out who'd had the premises after Mr Surtees the shop fitters uncovered the original name above the doorway, just for a day or so whilst a new incumbent moved in. The 'Surtees' name is now hidden again, and had been for 50years or so.
One or two of his books have photo's of the shop, but history tells he left motorcycling sport at that time to concentrate on the more lucrative car racing where he achieved great success.
Good on ya John, well done & keep those wheels turning!

[Brian Catt]

Great man and a priviledge to meet at one of the Goodwood events, even if very briefly!.

[John-Boy]

There is an interesting documentary in several (3?) parts on You Tube. It is a few years old but covers his biking and motor-racing careers up to 1987.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo4hqTx-Mx4

I saw him fall off the MV4 in the wet at Silverstone and beat Geoff Duke at Brands (the short circuit). John was on a Norton and Geoff on the Gilera with a rear sprocket the size of a dustbin lid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htfycStmciw

[Dogsbody]

Should really be a Knighthood, not only for his Motorsport achievements but also his charity. Cannot understand Colin Seeley being overlooked again, he works tirelessly for charity and served industry for many years but perhaps he should have run a sex toy shop. Dogsbody