Ken Tyrrell, who launched Jackie Stewart's racing career in the 1960s and founded the Tyrrell team in 1970, died after an illness, his family said Saturday. He was 77.

Stewart, a three-time Formula One champion and TV commentator, said Tyrrell gave him his first chance to drive a single-seat race car, in Formula 3 in 1964. Stewart raced for Tyrrell until 1973.

"My heart is deeply saddened by the passing of a great friend," Stewart said. "Ken was the most important person in my life outside my family. Without Ken Tyrrell, I would not be where I am today.

"His influence on my driving career was enormous. He was so much more than the team owner and team manager. Ken was like a father. He taught me, he coached me, he pushed and shoved me. We argued and we laughed," Stewart said.

The Tyrrell Racing Organization was bought out by British American Racing in November 1997, and Tyrrell retired from the sport in February 1998.

--Associated Press