It was on the occasion of the posthumous investiture as Doctor Honoris Causa of Ángel Nieto at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) that his son Gelete declared « my father’s greatest reward is the affection of the people.”
Although 12+1 times World Champion, making him the most successful driver behind Giacomo Agostini and his fifteen coronations, Angel was especially sensitive to the affection of his fans. “ My father was a person who appreciated close relationships and that was his secret, Gelete explained. He received titles and prizes and won World Championships, which was not easy, but his best reward was the affection of the people."
Gelete, very excited in his reception speech, described receiving this distinction as a source of pride and regretted that unfortunately Angel was not able to receive it personally.
“It’s one of the most important of his career » explained Gelete Nieto, about the presentation of the distinction of Doctor Honoris Causa of the UMH to his father
« We receive many awards, but perhaps this is one of the most important in his career. My father was a hardworking person who lived in every family and house in Spain. When we were told that we were going to give him this recognition, we were very excited and we didn't want to postpone the act." said an emotional Gelete, who fondly remembered the tribute Angel Nieto received in Madrid.
The son of the legendary pilot announced the future Angel Nieto Foundation to help victims of traffic accidents, both by car and motorcycle. “ We will try to make his legacy last as long as possible ", he said. He highlighted his father's role as a pioneer of motorcycling and said he was a key figure in the development of the Spanish sport. “ For us it is very important that people continue to remember him ", said Gelete, who recalled that only Valentino Rossi received the distinction of Doctor Honoris Causa in the world of motorcycles.
Photo © Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
Source: Trademarks
