Scheckter, Jody

Jody David Scheckter

Considered by many to be the greatest Jewish race car driver in history, Scheckter was the Formula One world champion in 1979 and the only race car driver in the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. His son Tomas is currently racing in the IRL (Indy Racing League) in the United States.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Jan. 29, 1950

Career Highlights:
A South African, Scheckter began his Formula One career in the early 1970s with McLaren-Ford, only 18 months after arriving in England from South Africa. Known for his outstanding car control and bravery (something for which his son Tomas is also renowned), Jody competed in five races in 1973 and then joined the Tyrrell team the following year after Jackie Stewart's retirement and Francois Cevert's death. That season, Scheckter won two races out of 15 starts to finish third overall in the Formula One world standings.

In 1975, Scheckter won one race in 14 starts and finished seventh in the standings. Then, he finished third in 1976 and second in 1977, winning four races over that time span. Also in 1977, Scheckter switched from Tyrrell to the Wolf team, but failed to record a victory in 1978 while driving for Wolf. Scheckter moved to Ferrari in 1979.

The pairing of Ferrari and Scheckter was a match made in heaven in 1979. Out of 15 starts, he won three races and registered 51 points to capture the Formula One world championship. Scheckter retired following the 1980 season, when he finished in second place in the Formula One standings. After his retirement, Jody moved to the United States and began a business in firearms training. He sold the business and returned to the racing world, overseeing his sons' careers.

Origin:
London, England

< Previous |  Next >