Legendary New Zealand racing car driver Chris Amon has died today in Rotorua, he was 73.
Having established himself as one of the best drivers in the world, Amon won the famous Le Mans 24-hour race in 1966 with Bruce McLaren and was signed to Ferrari the following year.
He went on to drive for a number of manufacturers, notching up a string of titles in the following decade.
"Chris battled cancer in recent years but retained not only a close interest in Formula 1 – and his very wide range of favourite topics - but also his wonderful sense of humour complete with infectious chuckle," Amon's family said in a statement.
He retired from Formula 1 in 1976, and from all motor racing in 1977 when he returned to New Zealand.
Regarded as the best driver never to win a F1 Grand Prix, Amon was awarded an MBE for his services to motorsport and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
Amon is survived by his wife and three children.
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