I saw him race in F1 only once….1978 Belgian G.P. 11th, ATS-Ford…but many times in historics at Goodwood. He seemed the typical Bavarian, full of enthusiasm and optimism, having a great time even if running in midfield. His video on Simon Kidston’s web site is one of my favorites. He will truly be missed.
I saw him race a few times, and would call him a reliable number-two, unlikely to challenge for wins but a good bet to earn valuable points for the team. It's unfortunate that the only Grand Prix he would win would be a race that ended in tragedy.
Proper punch in the gut. Last year I listened to an interview with him and he was already struggling. Super nice guy. RIP Jochen.
Spot-on. I was never a big fan but he always did a solid job. He was more successful in sportscars than F1. I nearly travelled to attend Spain in 1975, glad that I didn't.
RIP. Some years ago I saw this video. Simon, turn back to put it on his Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJRi-CRCwVl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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At Le Mans 1982 a few weeks after their tragic collision I had a self made Gilles photo pin on my shirt. Walking through the paddock Mass passed just by me going the other way and his eyes caught sight of it.... I don't think he was to blame in the accident but I saw sadness in his eyes. Just a fleeting moment... About 15 years ago I interviewed him by email after the Goodwood Revival in which he drove Barrie Baxter's Maserati Tipo 151/3 recreation and he was very gracious. RIP Jochen.
The Villeneuve family did not hold him accountable. In their view, it was a racing incident. C'est tout!
I ran across him a few times at the Rolex at Daytona. Never really spoke to him, just hello nice to see you here sort of stuff. But he always seemed open and approachable. And who else would wander the paddock in bright lime green pants.
Yes, that’s the one I referred to in #2 above. Thanks for posting the link. Is it no longer on Kidston’s web site?
Great guy. Good sense of humor. first time I met him was 1978 at the Monaco GP. And the last time was last summer at Goodwood FOS, where as usual he was accessible and loved to talk about cars. And he even remembered meeting my mother at the Amelia event where he was featured. Gone too soon
Herr Mass, was such a nice guy. True story: 1977 Watkins Glenn motor court restaurant. Thursday night, there with my mom and dad for dinner. We used to get the same table almost every year as we had a reservation every Thursday and Saturday night, from 1973 to 1980. so across from us was a large round corner booth. that night in the booth were Mass, Fittipaldi, Reutteman, Reggazoni, and two ladies. At that time I was ( still am) a Huge Lauda Fan. I wanted his autograph. I kept my program with me and a pen just incase. So about half way through dinner in walks Lauda. he is walking back and forth from their table to the bar, several times so I try to get his attention and he just walks past me. Jochen Mass notices this, and motions for me to come over and they all signed my program, which I still have today. Lauda, however totally ignores me. Finally after one of the ladies said something he signed the back of my program. sadly its faded a lot, but you can just make it out. Fast forward to Goodwood 2011. We are down in the paddock looking at a beautiful old Alfa Romeo 8C, and Mass and two mechanics come by and start working on the car next to it. An old ERA. I introduced my self, and started to chat with him, and told him the story at Watkins Glen. He says I remember you! I thought Lauda was being an Ass! we then talked about James Hunt and Michael Schumacher and modern racing. He was such a nice guy.
