Andrew Willis

Gallery: Jackie Stewart Moment – celebrating a legend at FOS 2019

Gentleman, shooter, racer, champion, activist, husband, father, mentor. Sir Jackie Stewart is a man of many passions and many talents. A man who has lived numerous lifetimes in one, yet has remained humble, loyal and passionate throughout his 80 years. Perhaps the simplest word we should use to describe him is this: legend.

It seemed only right to celebrate Sir Jackie’s motor racing accomplishments and recent birthday milestone with a special Goodwood moment which was enjoyed by the Stewart family and a huge crowd of fans alike.

Earlier in the day Sir Jackie, a three-time Formula One world champion had led a procession of his three Championship winning cars up the hill. Sir Jackie in his Matra-Cosworth MS80-02 followed by his two sons Paul and Mark driving the Tyrrell-Cosworth 003 and Tyrrell-Cosworth 006 respectively. Following behind was one of Stewart racing’s protégés Dario Franchitti in Sir Jackie’s Monaco-winning BRM P261.

As the iconic procession made its way up the Hill, Sir Jackie stopped at Molecombe to present his wife of 57 years, Lady Helen Stewart, with a single pink rose in a remarkable public showing of love and loyalty.

Following this emotional display, Sir Jackie, Paul, and Mark, drove beneath the Goodwood House balcony as Sir Jackie was met by the Duke of Richmond and a band of marching drummers and pipers.

From the Goodwood Balcony, Dario Franchitti interviewed his mentor about his three F1 Championships, the three Championship winning cars, and Sir Jackie’s most recent focus; The Race Against Dementia charity which he founded after his wife, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. A moment made all the more meaningful as Lady Helen herself watched on from the front of the crowd with pride.

Dario summed up the feeling of everyone lucky enough to watch today’s moment celebrating the accomplishments, victories and ongoing work of Sir Jackie with two small yet meaningful words: ‘Thank you’.

Photography by Tom Shaxson.