SIR JACKIE STEWART RELEASES FAMILY TRIBUTE SONG TO HELP MECHANICS

Three-times Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart's sons have recorded a tribute song for their father's 70th birthday. . . with a little help from Eric Clapton.

An expression of true love between a father and son is sometimes unspoken; not so with the Stewart family. Paul Stewart, Sir Jackie's eldest son, wrote a song and recorded it with family friend Eric Clapton on guitar; taking Sir Jackie completely by surprise when he sang it to him at his surprise 70th birthday party. Sir Jackie's younger son Mark produced the accompanying film, which was also played to Sir Jackie on the night.

Paul, who dedicated the song to both his mother and father with love, says: "The words are really close to our hearts. When we were growing up, our father always said to us  &.. 'if you fly with crows, you'll be shot at. . . fly free. . .be strong'. It's a simple message, but one that my brother Mark and I live by."

The song and its sentiments touched Sir Jackie so deeply that he felt that he should share it. The decision was taken to release the song and DVD on download, with all proceeds going to the charity which he founded some 20 years ago, The Grand Prix Mechanics' Charitable Trust. The charity exists to support former and current-day F1 mechanics in times of need.

Sir Jackie commented: "I cannot think of a more wonderful gift to receive for my birthday. I did not know that my son Paul could sing, write music or lyrics for such music. What a surprise and delight. Our younger son, Mark created the pictures to go with the music so well; representing the wonderful and exciting life that I have enjoyed with my wife Helen and both of my sons and their families.

"To have Eric Clapton play on this CD and DVD is another enormous thrill and privilege for somebody who enjoys Eric's music as much as I do. Eric is a good friend and one of the great musicians of the world.

"I am so proud and honoured that they created all of this for me."

To preview both the song and music video, please visit http://www.sirjackiestewart.com.

The song is available to download from iTunes and Amazon MP3. The DVD will also be available to download in the next couple of weeks.

For further info on the Grand Prix Mechanics Charitable Trust, please visit http://www.gpmechanicstrust.com.