Renowned motorcycle racing journalist and competitor, known for his vivid reports and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Grand Prix racing.
Known affectionately as "Jenks" or "DSJ", Denis Sargent Jenkinson was a British journalist who made an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. As Continental Correspondent of the esteemed UK-based Motor Sport magazine, he covered Formula One and other races across Europe, earning a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved voices in the industry.
Jenkinson's love affair with motorsports began in the mid-1930s, when he attended the Lewes Speed Trials in Brighton. This formative experience sparked a lifelong passion that would see him become an accomplished competitor, navigator, and journalist.
After the war, Jenkinson began competing on two and four wheels, but limited funds forced him to get creative. He discovered that acting as a sidecar passenger to top riders enabled him to both enjoy top-level European competition and scratch a living writing about it.
Jenkinson's most famous achievement came in 1955, when he navigated for Stirling Moss in their record-breaking triumph at the Mille Miglia cross-country race. This victory cemented his reputation as a master navigator and journalist.
As a journalist, Jenkinson was known for his meticulous attention to detail, razor-sharp insight, and ability to convey the excitement and drama of motorsports to readers. His writing career spanned several decades, during which he penned numerous articles, books, and race reports that remain highly regarded to this day.
Jenkinson's influence on modern motorsports cannot be overstated. He played a significant role in shaping the sport's journalistic landscape, inspiring generations of writers and enthusiasts. His legacy continues to be felt through his contributions to Motor Sport magazine, which remains a respected authority on the subject.
Jenkinson's passion for motorsports was matched only by his passion for life. He embodied a sense of adventure, curiosity, and joie de vivre that permeated every aspect of his work. His writing often conveyed a deep appreciation for the human story behind the sport, highlighting the personalities, rivalries, and triumphs that make motorsports so compelling.
Denis Jenkinson's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. He left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports, inspiring countless enthusiasts, writers, and competitors along the way. Today, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of motorsports enthusiasts, ensuring that his spirit of adventure and love of the sport will never be forgotten.
Born in 1923
A six-time World Motorcycle Champion, known for his dominant racing career in the 1950s, earning him a legendary status in the sport.
86 Years Old
A legendary motorcycle racer who won nine Grand Prix championships and 76 Grand Prix races, earning the nickname "Mike the Bike" for his incredible skills on two wheels.
83 Years Old
A 15-time World Champion motorcycle racer, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, known for his unparalleled racing skills and dominance in the sport.
87 Years Old
This motorcycle racing legend won seven Grand Prix World Championships, including four 125cc titles, and was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame. He's a British motorcycling icon and entrepreneur.
93 Years Old
Italian motorcycle racing champion, winning two World Championships and 17 Grands Prix, known for his dominance in the 1950s and 1960s.
99 Years Old
Italian motorcycle racer known for winning the 1957 500cc World Championship and being a four-time Grand Prix winner. He was a dominant force in the 1950s motorcycle racing scene.
