Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Jacques Bernard Edmon Martin Henri “Jacky” Ickx, born on 1st January 1945 in Brussels, Belgium, was introduced to motorsports by his father, a motoring journalist. Initially, Ickx had limited interest in the sport until he received a 50 cc Zündapp motorcycle. His early career was marked by success in motorcycle trials, where he won the 1962 Mettet Grand Prix road race and the 1963 Belgian 50 cc trials national championship. Ickx then transitioned to car racing, winning his national saloon car championship in 1965 and the Spa 24 Hours race in 1966 driving a BMW 2000TI. His prowess in sports car races was evident from his early participation in the 1000 km races at the Nürburgring.
Major Successes and Highlights
Jacky Ickx’s Formula One career spanned from 1966 to 1979, during which he raced for teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Lotus. He achieved eight wins and 25 podium finishes in Formula One. His most notable years were 1969 and 1970 when he finished as the championship runner-up. Ickx’s first Formula One win was at the 1968 French Grand Prix, and he continued to excel, especially in wet conditions. Beyond Formula One, Ickx was a dominant force in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, a record at the time. He also won the Can-Am Championship in 1979 and the 1983 Paris–Dakar Rally, showcasing his versatility across different forms of motorsport.
Life and Legacy After Racing
After retiring from Formula One, Jacky Ickx continued to make his mark in endurance racing. He was known as “Monsieur Le Mans” for his record six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ickx’s career in motorsports extended beyond driving; he served as the Formula One race director in Monaco in 1984 and was involved in various motorsport-related activities. His approach to racing, especially his advocacy for safety improvements, has left a lasting impact on the sport. Ickx’s legacy is not just in his racing achievements but also in his contributions to the evolution of motorsports.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Cooper | Matra MS5-Cosworth | Ford V8 | – | 0 |