"What fascinated me, it was not the glory, but the contact with the public"

Jacky Ickx was a Belgian racing chauffeur who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 6 times. In this quote, he is assessing his profession and what motivated him to continue racing. He states that it was not the splendor of winning that kept him going, but rather the contact with the general public. This suggests that he was driven by the connection he had with the fans and the energy they brought to the track. He was motivated by the interest of the crowd and the sense of community that came with it. This quote speaks to the significance of the relationship between the chauffeur and the fans, and how it can be an effective source of motivation. It also highlights the impact that a motorist can have on the people who view them race. Jacky Ickx's words advise us that the connection between the chauffeur and the general public is an integral part of the racing experience.