Stewart turns down $6.7M offer
NZPA London Britain’s former world champion driver, Jackie Stewart, has turned down a fortune — reported to be in the region of SNZ6.7 million — to return to Grand Prix motor racing, it was announced yesterday. “For over two weeks I have been giving serious consideration to an offer I received to return to Grand Prix racing. Today I have told the team concerned that I have decided not to do so,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by the Ford motor company. “Anyone who has pitted himself wholeheartedly and fairly successfully in a highly competitive sport will understand the temptation to test himself against the present generation of drivers. “That alone made me contemplate a further and final season. In the end, however, the reasons which led to my retirement seemed as valid now as they did then.” Stewart, went on: “In addition, I have had to weigh the obligations I have undertaken since I stopped driving. I am busier now than was ever the case when I was
racing and those obligations tipped the balance. “It was flattering to be asked and challenging to think about but despite turning down a small fortune, I am sure it was the right decision.” Just over a week ago James Hunt, another former world champion, rejected a $5.8 million offer to make a comeback with the Brabham team. At the time he said “Tempting though it was, I have decided to carry on living the easy life. “There is no point in risking your neck for money you don’t need. You can’t spend a fortune if you are dead.” Hunt, a 33-year-old millionaire who retired from the circuit three years ago, is now a successful businessman and a member of the 8.8. C. commentary team. A third retired champion, Niki Lauda, of Austria, has confirmed that he will step back into the big time next year with an undisclosed team. The offers are an indication of the strength of feeling among those who hold the purse strings that the sport is sadly lacking in charismatic figures.
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Press, 28 October 1981, Page 48
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351Stewart turns down $6.7M offer Press, 28 October 1981, Page 48
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