Aussie (and Kiwi) Motor-racing Hero Peter Brock died while racing on Saturday. West Australian police say the car crashed into a tree at Gidgegannup about 40 kilometres north-east of Perth about 12pm (AEST).

Brock, 61, from Melbourne, became Australia’s best known motor sport personality and a dominant figure in the sport. He was a dominant figure in Australian motor sport, winning the Bathurst 1000, Australia’s most prominent domestic motorsport event, a total of nine times through the 1970s and 80s. He won six Bathurst 1000 wins in seven years, including his victory in the 1979 event, which he won by a record six laps. He retired from full-time driving in 1997.

Brock Killed in Hairpin Crash

Peter is a hero in Australian and New Zealand for his exploits on the Motor Racing Track. As the main protagonist for Holden against Arch-rival Ford (and Dickie Johnson), the battle that culminated each year at Mount Panorama was a battle of giants in while keen young blokes could engage in. It was not unlike Rugby or Soccer, you had your team, Holden or Ford and that was the team you cheered for. Peter was a hero, not just because who he played for, but for how he played. Peter was the perfect sportsman, who took winning with humility and defeat with graciousness. He will be sorely missed.  A true Aussie Hero and Bloke.

You can see a video of Peter Brock at the wheel of the Holden Torana A9X here.

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