After moving to the United Kingdom in 1970, Jody moved up the Formula ranks, to F1. Debuting in 1972 with McLaren at the US Grand Prix, Watkins Glen, he was on track to come third before he spun out. Jody’s determined driving style and lack of fear quickly earned him a reputable name, which he only strengthened the following year when he won the 1973 SCCA L&M Championship. As he progressed as a driver, Jody developed from aggressive to mature and calculated, after witnessing a horrific crash.
Towards the end of his active driving career, Jody teamed up with Ferrari, sparking criticism as an unlikely pair. Despite Ferrari's stereotype as domineering management, Jody earned the recognisable team another Constructors' Championship, as well as the Drivers’ Championship in 1979, thanks to his consistent wins. Jody was the last driver to win the Drivers' Championship for Ferrari, a title he held for 21 years until Michael Schumacher earned the title in 2000.
After his retirement, Jody turned to broadcasting. CBS Sports featured Jody as a Pit reporter in 1981, commenting during their Formula One coverage. Following this, at the 1983 Monaco Grand Prix, ABC’s Wide World Of Sports asked Jody to present as a Pit reporter. Finally, in 1999, Jody was a guest commentator at the Marino Grand Prix, for ITV. One of Jody’s greatest passions is biodynamic farming, since he bought Laverstoke Park Farm, in Hampshire.
Now spending his time as a biodynamic farmer, Jody has recently bought 2500 acres of land in Hampshire. An organic farming expert, Jody has featured on television programmes Escape To The Country and Sugar Free Farm, where his natural ability in front of the camera was applauded by viewers.
On the public speaking circuit, Jody is celebrated as a sought after motorsports speaker. Able to explore the physical and mental requirements of racing at a top-level, he can apply his strategies to methods for peak performance. An event featuring Jody is an event attended by a Formula One racing legend.
