Born on January 1st 1945, in Brussels, Belgium, Ickx is a renowned racing driver celebrated for his versatility and success across various motorsport disciplines. His illustrious career encompasses achievements in Formula 1, sports car racing, and endurance events.
Ickx represented Alan Mann Racing in the European Touring Car Championship for four consecutive years, contesting selected rounds. His debut with the team came in 1964 in a Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1 at Zandvoort, driving the sister car to Sir John Whitmore’s. He finished 4th overall – second in class. He would rejoin the team for the Hungarian round of the championship – on a street circuit around Budapest. Again, teammate to Whitmore, Ickx came third in class.
For the 1965 season, Ickx switched to Alan Mann Racing’s Ford Mustang when he was paired up with Gawaine Baillie for the Nurburgring round of the European Touring Car Championship, however the pair were unable to make the race finish. The following round was held at Zolder, where he went on to take overall victory – a career milestone that drew attention to his raw talent.
1966 saw Ickx contest an Alan Mann Racing Mk1 Lotus Cortina in North America, as well as in Europe. Ickx was paired up with Paul Hawkins for the Nurburgring round of the European Touring Car Championship, and Hubert Hahne for two rounds of the inaugural USA Trans-American Sedan Championship: Missouri’s Mid-America Raceway– where they finished third overall, and Marlboro Park in Maryland.
In 1967, Ickx represented Alan Mann Racing in the 24 Hours of Spa – which by then was part of the European Touring Car Championship. Co-driving a Ford Mustang with Hubert Hahne, their race concluded prematurely due to a retirement.
Jacky Ickx went on to achieve eight wins and 25 podium finishes in Formula 1 across 14 seasons – finishing runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 1969 and 1970. Ickx won two World Endurance Championships and is a six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as a two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring. In rallying, Ickx won the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1983 with Mercedes.