In association with

The 2010 inductees

Mario Andretti
Four-time Indycar champion, three-time winner of the Sebring 12 Hours, 1978 Formula 1 World Champion, 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner and the 1967 Daytona 500 winner. Andretti is one of the most versatile racing drivers ever, and the Italo-American competed for five decades.

Tony Brooks
Stirling Moss calls Brooks “the greatest unknown racing driver there has ever been”. The ‘racing dentist’ may not have attracted as much attention as some of his contemporaries, but he was regarded by them as one of the very best there has been. Brooks won six Grands Prix for Vanwall and Ferrari between 1956-61 and took four pole positions.

Jacky Ickx
Ickx may have won eight Grands Prix for Ferrari and Brabham, but he is more often remembered for his remarkable six outright victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours, scored in Ford, Mirage and Porsches from 1969-82. The Belgian’s tally had looked unbeatable, but was bettered by Tom Kristensen in 2005.

Ron Dennis
The former Brabham teamster started Rondel Racing with Neil Trundle in 1971, and within 10 years was at the helm at McLaren. He led the F1 team to seven Constructors’ Championships and took the McLaren Group, of which he is now executive chairman, to the forefront of the sport and the industry.

Review of the evening

By Rob Widdows

It never crossed my mind, watching Jim Morrison and The Doors play at the Roundhouse back in 1968, that one day I would be back there drinking champagne, celebrating the first ever Motor Sport Hall of Fame.

The Victorian engine shed in Camden Town is now a smart and slickly-run venue for the arts and corporate functions. But the place retains an atmosphere, its huge round open space and vast domed roof giving any occasion that special feel. And the Motor Sport Hall of Fame 2010 was no exception.

So, champagne, more champagne, some exquisite canapés, and then the moment we’d all been waiting for. Onto the stage came Jake Humphrey, the BBC’s face of Formula 1, who proceeded to preside over the evening with the ease and skill that saw him through his first season in the limelight. First it was time to introduce the founding members of our Hall of Fame with a sequence of stunning films capturing the careers of Tazio Nuvolari, Enzo Ferrari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The knights, Moss and Stewart, came forward and spoke warmly of their peers, their boyhood heroes, their own achievements and their passion for the sport

The knights, Moss and Stewart, came forward and spoke warmly of their peers, their boyhood heroes, their own achievements and their passion for the sport to which they have given so much and from which they have become household names across the world.

Next it was the turn of the four new members, the first men to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Jacky Ickx came all the way from Africa and, in an emotional speech, gave thanks not only for his career but also for the legions of mechanics, engineers, team managers and fans who have supported him along the way. Tony Brooks, arguably the most underrated of Grand Prix drivers, spoke of his early days with Connaught, his triumphs with Vanwall, and the ever-present dangers of racing in the 1950s and ’60s.

Next came Ron Dennis, honoured for his outstanding contribution to the team founded by Bruce McLaren and which he has built up into one of the most successful companies in motor racing history. He paid tribute to his staff, their commitment to excellence, and repeated his assurance that he has absolutely no intention of stepping down any time soon.

Finally, from America, came Mario Andretti, to thunderous applause and whoops of delight

Finally, from America, came Mario Andretti, to thunderous applause and whoops of delight from the 400 guests who had crowded round the stage. Always the consummate professional, Andretti spoke amusingly and interestingly about his quite extraordinary career, which saw him compete at the sharp end for nigh on 40 years. His easy style, and the undoubted charisma of the little man, provided the perfect end to the business of the evening. The flashbulbs popped, the cheers went up to the roof and Mario grinned from ear to ear.

Motor racing people know how to have fun. And they did, jigging to the mellifluous music of Kyle Eastwood and his band, toasting triumphs past, present and to come, telling ever more hair-raising tales, gossiping and letting it all out before the start of another tough season. Motor racing never stays still, always demanding that extra edge. But the Hall of Fame is here to stay and, by common consent, it will become an established date on the winter social calendar.

With thanks to:
Tag Heuer, Virgin Cargo, Bahrain International Circuit as official associate sponsors Mercedes-Benz, NSPCC, the Roundhouse, Hackett, David Weguelin, McLaren, Richard Frankel, DT Performance, Hugo Boss, Sky Sports, Jake Humphrey, LAT Photographic, The Macallan, Lord March, Janet Bradley at Goodwood, Rob Widdows, Sir Paul Vestey, Doug Nye, Stephen Vokins at the National Motor Museum, Richard Gadeselli of Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, Martin Stockham of Gemini Pictures, Renault.