John Surtees teams up with Beaujolais Run
Racing driver, John Surtees, who is well known to Westcountry fans, has become the first Patron of the 38-year-old Beaujolais Run.
In a fabulous driving career, Surtees was the victor of seven motorcycle World Championships, one Formula One world drivers’ title and the North American Can-Am Championship for sports cars.
Last year he became the first person to drive a sports car through the Channel Tunnel.
In November this year, 40 vehicles will take up the charitable challenge to “Bring Back the Beaujolais” in a navigational shoot out of cars both old and new.
Organisers Rob Bellinger and Elaine Hart said, “John became a natural choice for us. His passion and enthusiasm for inspiring and helping others is undoubted. John has become a real driving force behind the event and we are delighted he agreed to accept our invitation to become Patron.”
In reply, Surtees said, “The assortment of cars and the enthusiasm I saw at Brooklands last year, together with the experience of driving an electric sports car through the Channel Tunnel, left a lasting impression.
“When I was asked to become a Patron, the answer was not a difficult one. The opportunity of being involved with an event that included travelling on fine French roads, through superb villages and visiting Chateaux, together with superb wine, champagne and food was hard to resist.
“With 60 years of the Formula One World Championship being celebrated this year a visit to the historic Reims circuit of which I have many memories was a bonus. The important point however is that all proceeds go to charity. I have to thank all concerned for nominating the charity set up in the name of my late son Henry as one of the beneficiaries. I will certainly ensure that every penny counts in helping causes for those that are less fortunate than ourselves.”
Official photo: Nick Dimbleby. Click for larger image.