I have long been a fan of Sir Stirling Moss, even though when his career was cut short in 1962, I was just one year old. As my interest in Formula 1 grew so did my desire to learn about the history of motor racing - and with that came the need to know about the drivers of an era when they seemed to sit on cars rather than in them.

Stirling Moss is the quintessential sportsman. However, rather than attempting to write a brief history of his career, I have chosen to write about, the racer of today. Stirling is still competing today, at the age of 77. He can be seen in action regularly at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival meeting.

It was at the Festival of Speed that I first met the man, albeit at a brief autograph signing. He was waiting, in his very familiar blue overalls & white Johnson helmet, to get into the Mercedes he was to drive up the famous Goodwood hill. I asked a steward if she could take my autograph book over to him to sign - which she duly did. A few seconds later Sir Stirling came over, asking whose book it was. He then stood talking to me whilst signing, asking how I was enjoying the day. Then, despite being called repeatedly over the PA, he proceeded to sign at least another 12 autographs. He was more than happy to spend the time with the fans. Although, eventually he was ‘persuaded’ to get into his car and proceed to the start.

That small meeting left a lasting impression on me. I had read about how much of a gentleman Sir Stirling was and I had just witnessed this first hand.

The following year I returned to Goodwood, this time as a crowd marshal, assisting the track marshals at the vehicle crossing near the top of the hillclimb.  Whilst here, I witnessed how much Stirling meant to other people. After he completed his run, and was returning on the slow drive down the hill, I watched as all the track marshals nodded in homage to him as he drove past. Stirling waved and acknowledged each one.

Now Sir Stirling is getting a whole new group of fans, no doubt my two young sons will be amongst them, as he is now known not just as a driver but for his part in “Roary the Racing Car”, a new children’s show. I hope when my children are older they will find as much enjoyment in my books and DVDs of the greatest ever British racing driver as I have.

Steve Atkin

www.TotalF1.co.uk