Guild supports John Surtees Event
The event, Honouring John Surtees, is to be held on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation and is supported by The Guild of Motoring Writers. The programme will include an afternoon exhibition and an evening Celebration Dinner – all at the world-famous Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport, Gwent.
Unique in the world of motor sport, John Surtees is a true great. He not only dominated motorcycle racing in the late 1950s – winning seven Grand Prix World Championships – but also made a seamless transition to single seaters, winning the 1964 Formula 1 Championship for Ferrari. He thus became the only man ever to win World Championships on both two and four wheels, a record that he still holds and is unlikely ever to be equalled.
Event programme
After a buffet lunch, those attending will see some of the cars and bikes that defined John Surtees’ competition career, including the legendary blue and white NART liveried F1 Ferrari 158 in which Surtees contested the final two races of the 1964 Grand Prix World Championship.
John will be available during the afternoon for signing sessions and photo opportunities, raising money for his charity, the Henry Surtees Foundation. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid for rides in a selection of exotic sports cars, also in aid of the Henry Surtees Foundation.
The evening programme begins with a Champagne Reception before the three-course Celebration Dinner. John Surtees will then be interviewed about his illustrious career, with a chance for guests to put forward their own questions in a Q&A. The evening will be rounded off by two-time World Superbike Champion James Toseland and his rock band Toseland.
John Surtees said: ‘It’s now 50 years since I won the Formula One World Championship for Ferrari so it is gratifying that this achievement, which made me the only individual ever to win World Championships on both two wheels and four, is attracting so much attention in this anniversary year, particularly as it helps to highlight the work we are doing with the Henry Surtees Foundation.
“I was delighted therefore, when I was approached by Guy Loveridge and Chris Mann of the Guild of Motoring Writers with the proposal that we put on an event to celebrate my motorsport career, especially as their plan was to use it to raise funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation, which was set up to provide assistance, equipment, facilities and training via motorsport-related programmes, to young people who have suffered brain injuries, helping to get them back into the community and lead fulfilling lives.
“I am greatly looking forward to the John Surtees Event and hope that you will give it, and the Henry Surtees Foundation, your support.” he said.
Event tickets are available from £150. For more information about the event, tickets or accommodation, visit : www.JohnSurteesEvent.co.uk email Jake O’Neill: or call Jake direct on 01296 642822.
