Jacky Ickx (born Jacques Bernard Ickx in Brussels on 1 January 1945) is the undisputed champion of Belgian motorsport. He began his motorsport career in 1964. In 1967, he was the European Formula 2 champion. That same year, he made his debut in Formula 1. During his career, he won 8 major prizes: France in 1968, Germany and Canada in 1969, Austria, Canada and Mexico in 1970, Netherlands in 1971 and finally, Germany in 1972. This ranking remains unmatched in Belgium. He gave up the formula 1 in 1979, after winning 2 titles of vice-champion of the world of the drivers, in 1969 and in 1970.
His endurance track record is even more impressive. Two world champion titles, in 1982 and 1983. Six victories in the 24 hours of Le Mans, the queen event of the discipline (1969, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981 and 1982). And the list goes on, he won:
– the 24 hours of Francorchamps (1966)
– the 1,000 km of Spa (1967, 1968, 1974, 1982 and 1983)
– the Spa Cups (1969 and 1973)
– the 1,000 km of Monthléry (1967)
– the 6 hours of Watkins Glen (1968, 1972 and 1977)
– the 12 hours of Sebring (1969 and 1972)
– the 1,000 km of Monza (1972, 1973 and 1976)
– the 1,000 km of Austria (1972)
– the 1,000 km of Nurburgring (1973 and 1983)
– the 1,000 km of Imola (1976)
– the 6 hours of Mugello (1976 and 1985)
– the 6 hours of Vallelunga (1976)
– the 6 hours of Silverstone (1977 and 1978)
– the 6 hours of Daytona (1972)
– the 9 hours of Kyalami (1967, 1968, 1970 and 1982)
– the 500 miles of Brands Hatch (1968)
– the 1,000 km of Brands Hatch (1972, 1977 and 1982)
– the Brands Hatch Champions Run (1974)
– Jacky Ickx also adds the title of USA champion in Can Am 1979 to his record.
In the 80s, he turned to major African rallies. He achieved his best performance in 1983, winning the Paris-Dakar.
Between 1967 and 1979, Jacky Ickx triumphed 11 times at the head of the Belgian drivers’ championship. He received, in 1968, the national trophy of sporting merit.
This is only a brief summary of the very long career of Jacky Ickx. You will find many more details in the different sections of this website.