Based in Edenbridge, Kent, the Surtees Racing Organisation was the creation of one of motorsports most successful drivers who found fame by winning the World Championship titles on both two and four wheels. John Surtees had won every accolade and it was 1964 when he took the first step to becoming a team owner.
During the following years his team built Formula 3, Formula 2, Formula 5000 and Formula 1 cars with Surtees being part of the driver line-up until he retired from competition at the end of 1971. As the photograph shows, ‘Big John’ was not averse to giving his mechanics a helping hand when required, seen here adjusting the rear wing on the teams new Formula 5000 model, the TS8 that was powered by a Morand-tuned Chevrolet V8. The F5000 race was held at Brands Hatch on 18th April 1971 and the single-car entry was driven by Mike Hailwood who secured pole position ahead of the McLaren of Brian Redman but engine failure saw the Surtees TS8 retire just five laps from the end.
From the book ‘Moments in Motorsport’ by Trevor Legate
