Tributes to ‘true motor legend’
John Surtees, who has died at the age of 83, was the only man to have won both the Formula 1 and motorcycling grand prix world championships.
The motorsport legend, who owned Buckmore Park Kart Circuit in Chatham, died peacefully in hospital on Friday.
Surtees won seven world motorbike championships before becoming F1 World Champion with Ferrari in 1964.
He bought Buckmore Park in 2015. He had long been a supporter of the circuit having already owned the freehold on the track since the 1990s.
The Edenbridge-based businessman was admitted to a London hospital in February with an existing respiratory condition.
A family statement said: “John was a loving husband, father, brother and friend.
“He was also one of the true greats of motorsport and continued to work tirelessly up until recently with the Henry Surtees Foundation and Buckmore Park Kart Circuit.
“We deeply mourn the loss of such an incredible, kind and loving man as well as celebrate his amazing life. He has set a very real example of someone who kept pushing himself at his peak and one who continued fighting until the very end.”
Funeral details are yet to be announced.