Fifty years ago Stewart dominated the 1969 season on this way to his first championship. In his Ken Tyrrell-managed Matra he won six of the year’s 11 races, including five of the opening six. It was a reward for bravery too, as at the end of 1967 he turned down Ferrari of all teams to go in with Ken, who he drove for in Formula 3 but then was only getting started in F1. As Sir Jackie noted in his autobiography, “ faced a choice between signing for the most prestigious and glamorous motor racing team in the world and joining a private entrant from Surrey with no F1 experience. It turned out to be the most important decision of my career as a racing driver, and the best.” His other two F1 titles were with Tyrrell as well. “The gathering of the very best road, race and rally cars in the world makes the Festival of Speed one of the great events in our country,” said Sir Jackie. “This year, I am very proud that The Duke of Richmond has chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my first British Grand Prix win at Silverstone in 1969 and, in the same year, my winning the World Championship for the first time. This June also, almost unbelievably, celebrates my 80th birthday. Goodwood has assembled a number of special cars from my career, and I hope to drive as many as I can over the weekend. It’s a very special celebration which I thank His Grace for.” Images courtesy ofGoodwood , Dominic James, Drew Gibson
