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Jody ScheckterSouth African racing driver
Date of Birth: 29.01.1950
Country:  South Africa |
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Biography of Jody Scheckter
Jody Scheckter is a South African racing driver, and a former Formula One World Champion. Born in East London, South Africa, he attended Selborne College. Scheckter's career in Formula One began after he moved to the United Kingdom in 1970.
Early Career
Scheckter made his debut in the Formula One season of 1972 for the McLaren team at the Watkins Glen International circuit. However, he did not race regularly for McLaren. Over the course of two seasons, Scheckter participated in six Grand Prix races and finished ninth twice. During this time, he also competed in the Formula 5000 series and became the champion in 1973.
Formula One Career
In 1974, Scheckter became a full-time driver for the Tyrrell team in Formula One. In his first complete season, he finished third in the championship standings, securing victories in Sweden and Great Britain. In the 1976 season, Tyrrell introduced the unique six-wheeled Tyrrell P34, and Scheckter achieved his first career pole positions and finished the championship in third place.
In 1977, Scheckter left Tyrrell and joined the Walter Wolf Racing team, where he won his first Grand Prix and improved his personal best, finishing the season in second place, just 17 points behind Niki Lauda. However, the following season was less successful for Scheckter, and he finished seventh overall after four podium finishes.
In 1979, Scheckter joined the Ferrari team, partnering with Gilles Villeneuve and driving the Ferrari 312T. The 1979 season was a triumph for Ferrari, with both drivers securing the Constructors' Championship and achieving a one-two finish in the drivers' standings. However, Scheckter's performance in the 1980 season was disappointing, and he scored only two points before leaving the team and retiring from Formula One.
Post-Racing Life
After winning the World Championship title, Scheckter became the last Ferrari driver to hold that title before Michael Schumacher, who won it 21 years later. Following his retirement from Formula One, Scheckter founded FATS Inc, a company that developed firearms simulators. He later sold the company to provide financial support for his sons, Thomas and Toby, who also pursued careers in racing. Thomas currently competes in the Indycar series, while Jody's brother, Ian, also raced in Formula One.
