CLASSIC AMERICAN PEOPLE DAVID HOBBS

Even though he’s English, David Hobbs, now 78, is a household name in America which is where he has spent most of his working life. He’s a two-time champion racing driver and for the last 40 years has been a prominent TV motorsport commentator.

Incredibly versatile, he raced in NASCAR, Indycar, Formula One, Can-Am, Sportscars and Touring cars. He drove for the iconic Gulf-liveried Ford GT40 squad, winning the ’68 Monza 1000kms and finishing third in the Le Mans 24 Hours in ’69. He also drove for John Surtees, Roger Penske, McLaren, Lotus, Honda, BMW and many more. He’s competed all around the world and has won many international and national races. He was crowned American Formula 5000 Champion in 1971 and Trans-Am Champion in 1983. He first appeared on TV in 1976 as a guest race analyst and proved not only well-informed and interesting, but also charming and witty, while maintaining his English accent and humour. He proved