R.I.P. Peter Brock (also posted in "AutoX & Racing")

917 · 09-11-2006, 09:00 PM

Just thought I'd make mention of the passing of arguably one of the world's greatest touring car drivers.

Last week while competing in a Targa rally in Western Australia, the "retired" 61 year old Brock was killed when the special Daytona coupe replica he was driving, left the road on a tight left-hander and hit a nearby tree directly on the driver's door.

It is felt that Brock died almost immediately and his co-driver, Mick Hone, was taken to hospital with broken ribs and some internal injuries, but is said to be recovering in a stable condition.

Recently, in an international poll of the world's greatest touring car drivers, Peter Brock was voted second amongst a who's who of history's greatest. This being achieved even though he rarely ventured outside of Australia to compete.

To list just a few of his accomplishments, he was a record 9 times winner of the famous "Bathurst 1000"; winner of the "Bathurst 24hrs"; 9 times winner of the "Sandown Endurance"; 3 times Australian Champion; "Repco Round Australia Rally" winner; numerous pole positions, fastest laps and lap records; Rallycross champion; World Touring Car race winner and even raced at Le Mans in a Porsche 956.

Although he changed marques on a few occasions during his long and illustrious career, he will always be known as the face of Holden (GM in Australia).

He was a true sporting icon. He had, and even in death, will probably continue to have a huge band of devoted fans. This is not only because of his feats behind the wheel, but because of his returned devotion to his fans and also for his tireless road safety campaigning (even his famous competition number was ". 05" to enforce recognition of the blood alcohol limit in Australia).

In his retirement, he was admired for his charity work and commitment to helping Australian youth. He has even been active as a member of the Australian Olympic Committee, inspiring a new generation.

Such is the admiration for this man that he will be given a State Funeral in his home state of Victoria on Tuesday.

As for myself, I was never a big fan (choosing to support his rivals), nor was I a big fan of Steve Irwin ("The Crocodile Hunter"). But I do think that recently Australia has lost two of it's greatest sons.

Thanks for allowing us to share in your lives guys, and now, rest in peace.

Chris

Zeke · 09-11-2006, 09:11 PM

Well written. I, too, was saddened by both tragedies. What is Brock's history with Porsche? Any? I'm sorry that I don't know more about his history. I've just heard the name many times.

RFR · 09-11-2006, 09:19 PM

I don't know any of his history with Porsche, but I do know he had a long history with the Datsun "fairlady" Roadster.
( I am biased, I own 2 along with my 911)

917 · 09-11-2006, 10:04 PM

Thanks Milt. I'm not sure he had a long history with Porsche, but he did launch an albeit unsuccessful attack on Le Mans in a Porsche 956. So, I guess that makes him eligible for "The Club"...

I'm not sure about an association with Datsun, but he did race a number of different makes including some different types of Sports Sedans.

He was at the very top of the sport for an incredible 30 year professional career before "retiring" back in 1997.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

If you have a look on the Aus/NZ forum you'll see that we are all very sad to have lost such a great driver and sportsman. It was a rough week for Aussie heroes with the loss of Steve Irwin as well... I don't think you have to be a fan to miss certain personalities

Peter Brock definitely drove a 956 for a season during the 80's. He was always a favourite at events, happy to just sit and sign autographs all day without complaint.

In recent years he had become quite a fan of "Targa" road racing events and was always in the top 10. The targa style events are very popular over here - probably because of many and varied cars that compete - so I hope it doesn't have an effect on these events.

He was to drive at an event I'm attending this weekend. I know he'll be missed.

saintz · 09-12-2006, 01:00 AM

The Australian Peter Brock should not be mistaken for the American Pete Brock of Datsun fame. Two different drivers. Both had great careers.

RFR · 09-12-2006, 01:26 AM

My mistake, I did not know there were two drivers sharing the same name.

sus911 · sus911's Garage

We will celebrate his life, and his conquering of the great mountain at Bathurst next month for the 1000.
It will be nuts I'm sure.
He was GM's Australian ambassador of motor sport.
Oddly he died in a Ford replica, powered by a 350 Chev and holden drive train.
A legend that will be dearly missed...............

dickster · 09-12-2006, 04:15 AM

Any loss is tragic and it is the circumstances that saddens me rather than the fact that they are tv or sports personalities. For me that's irrelevant.

Tragic that Peter died not racing but in retirement - just like Joe Dunlop. How ironic.

And Steve Irwin, just in his mid forties leaving a wife and kids behind. He was a nutcase but I loved his style.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Don't worry Rich; Brocky died racing (timed speed event) - I don't think he (or any of the other great drivers) really retire

OFG Racing · OFG Racing's Garage

There is a lot of confusion going on here. The Peter Brock who died is the Aussie, NOT the American Peter Brock who is still alive and well in Washington state.