Friday, September 08, 2006

Another legendary Aussie passes away tragically

Nine-times Bathurst 1000 winner and Australian motor racing legend Peter Brock has been killed while competing in the Targa West Tarmac Rally in Western Australia.
Brock was partnered by Mick Hone in the race and they were competing in a Daytona Coupe.
Hone has been taken to hospital in a stable condition.
The West Australian Police Major Crash Squad has confirmed the car collided with a tree after going off a road near Gidgegannup, in Perth's north-east.
The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) said the accident occurred at approximately 11:50am (WST).
CAMS will conduct a full investigation into the incident and at the moment event officials are working with relevant civil authorities.
The Targa West Rally began in Perth yesterday and takes place over four days and is divided into two categories - competition and challenge.
His co-driver Mick Hone was injured but conscious as they rushed him to hospital
Hone's son, Justin said Peter's death has come as a shock.
"To hear my father is okay, you feel good for that but so awful for Peter and his family," he said.
Prime Minister John Howard said Peter would be remembered as a legend.
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peter Brock's death," Mr Howard said.
"The removal of Brockie takes away a legend of motor racing in Australia."
Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said Brock was an example off the track to aspiring race car drivers.
"Peter Brock's commitment to road safety has also had a significant influence on all Australians," he said.
Brock was born in Melbourne in 1945 and dominated Australian motor sport for the past three decades.
His great-great-uncle, Henry James, was a founder of the RACV and organised Australia's first motor sport event - the 1905 Sydney to Melbourne reliability trial.
In 1969, the manager of the newly formed Holden Dealer Team, Harry Firth, gave Brock his break with an offer to drive at Bathurst in a Monaro GTS 350.
Brock won his first Bathurst title in 1972 driving solo in a Torana XU1.
He was nicknamed "Peter Perfect" and later became known as the "King of the Mountain" after his success in the endurance races at Bathurst.
In 1997, Brock retired from full-time V8 Supercars racing and launched the Peter Brock Foundation, which provides support to a wide range of community programs.
Last year, Brock separated from his wife Beverly after 28 years of marriage but they remained close friends.
The 61-year-old is survived but his three children - Jamie, Robert and Alexandria.

Such a tragedy. 2 of Australia's legends have passed away tragically in the last four days. All I can think is "Who's going to be next?" Brockie, you'll always be King of the Mountain. RIP 05

1 comment:

nenni said...

people need to stop dying =(