The only man to win World Championships on two wheels and four has added to his list of successes by landing the Royal Automobile Club Motor Book of the Year Award.
The former champion received the judges' plaudits at a ceremony held at the club's Pall Mall headquarters during its inaugural Motoring Literary Festival on 29 October. John Surtees: My Incredible Life on Two and Four Wheels, which was co-authored by Mike Nicks, fought off stiff competition for the gong, coming top in the voting ahead of Ayrton Senna – All His Races by Tony Dodgins.
Tom Purves, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: "This book is exactly the type of title we want our award to recognise. It is a fascinating story, entertaining and personable, with wonderful pictures. John Surtees and Mike Nicks deserve our hearty congratulations."
C&SC's own Mick Walsh, who was on the judging panel, said: "It's handsomely designed and superbly printed, plus the wealth of imagery really brings 'Big' John's career alive."
"We see our Book of the Year Award as a significant extra prize that authors can aim for – a shot in the arm for the whole industry and, we hope, a symbol of genuine encouragement for something that matters greatly to the Royal Automobile Club," said Ben Cussons, chairman of the club's Motoring Committee.
Click here to purchase a copy of the book.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC