Peter Brock was a legend in the true sense of the word. His achievements in Australian motorsport are unlikely to ever be surpassed. Many of you may not have heard of him, but you may have heard of the following race:
The greatest motor race in Australia and arguably one of the best in the world is the Bathurst 1000 at a place called Mt.Panorama, Bathurst, NSW. It is a big statement to make, but it is as challenging and as difficult as Spa-Francorchamps. A lap of Bathurst is 6.213km of arduous mountain climbing, steep descents and unforgiving roads, the event involves taking this challenge 161 times. The race takes well over 7 hours and each car has 2 drivers.
Many of the great drivers from all over the world have tried (and failed) to conquer the mountain. But when you think of Bathurst, only one name springs to mind, Peter Brock. He won the event a record 9 times in the 1970's and 1980's (including 6 times in 7 years). No other driver even comes close to breaking this record. As well as this he won 3 Australian Touring Car Championships during this era. He has been forever branded "Peter Perfect" and the "King of the Mountain". The event would not be what it is today without him.
This year's race on the 8 October will be the 44th year of Bathurst and it will not be the same without him. Coverage of this event is beamed to every major country in the world. If you watch the event, you will understand why the death of Peter Brock, is not only a tragedy to all of Australia, but to the world of motorsport.
Peter Brock RIP
1945-2006