http://youtube.com/watch?v=drSYGCHEGgg
Posted on Sat, Sep. 09, 2006email thisprint this
Peter Brock, Australian race car driver, in crash
Peter Brock, one of Australia's most successful and well-known race
car drivers, died Friday in a crash during a rally in Western
Australia state. He was 61.Brock died when his car crashed into a
tree about 25 miles north of Perth during the Targa West rally,
according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Brock dominated
Australian auto racing for three decades before retiring from the
touring car circuit in 1997. He made a couple of brief comebacks
and at one stage owned a racing team. -- Associated Press
Brock stunned Aussie motorsport reacts
09 September 2006
The motorsport fraternity has reacted as one to the tragic death of
the undisputed King of the Mountain.
When it came to the legendary race driver they call Peter Perfect,
rivalries were forgotten, Ford and Holden's battle for supremacy
became just another race it was simple, awe-struck respect and
admiration.
With nine Bathurst wins behind him, he holds a record that will not
ever be beaten by a mere mortal.
He also won the Sandown Endurance race nine times and was the first
driver to win the sport's Triple Crown: Bathurst, Sandown and the
Australian touring car title in the same year.
And this is why so many of Peter Brock's peers have come out to pay
their respects when he drove, it was something exceptional,
whether you were a fan, or trying to beat him to turn one.
"I am devastated. Peter was more than just a teammate to me; he was
a mentor and a friend. He taught me an enormous amount about racing
and about life. It's a terrible loss. I can't believe it." Craig
Lowndes
"It's an absolute tragedy. Peter was a tremendous competitor on the
track, tough but always fair, and a decent bloke off it. I don't
think it's really hit me yet. I can't believe we've lost two Aussie
icons in one week. Both Peter and Steve Irwin were both friends of
mine." Dick Johnson
"I remember the very first touring car race I had and I lined up
alongside him on the grid. When I looked across and saw that I was
on the grid next to Peter Brock, I knew I had made it.I was
fortunate to race with and against him and learnt an immense amount
from his approach to motorsport. Peter always made time for his
fans and understood how important it was to spend time with them
and what they meant to our industry. At his best, Brock was the
ultimate racing driver. A classic example was Bathurst in 1979 when
he won by six laps and broke the lap record on the last lap." Mark
Skaife
"I just can't believe it. He gave me so much help in all aspects
when I was young and impressionable. All he ever wanted to do was
to help. At Bathurst in 1997 I was the right wheel changer on his
Commodore for what was going to be his last Bathurst. I was more
nervous changing that wheel than I've ever been in a race car. He
had a huge impact on my life and was an incredible mentor." Rick
Kelly
"Peter really made car racing what it is today. He was professional
years ahead of anyone else and his record in the championship and
Bathurst clearly shows that. He was an icon. Peter was one of the
toughest racers on the track. However, away from the track he was a
great bloke. He was always generous in his support for other
drivers. For me he was always a great helping hand and it's those
attributes that I will remember the most." Glenn Seton
"I am deeply shocked. I enjoyed a great relationship with Peter
Brock and there isn't a racing driver here who is not aware of the
major impact and contribution that he has made to our sport. His
record behind the wheel and his constant interaction with the fans
has helped to grow this sport enormously. His loss is
unbelievable." Jason Bright
"Peter Brock was a childhood hero of mine, as I am sure he was for
many young and aspiring racing drivers. It is sad to lose anyone
let alone a legend in the sport like he was. His loss will be
deeply felt by everyone involved in motor racing." Mark
Winterbottom
AdvertisementAdvertisement"Peter was a fantastic legend of motor
sport. He was one of the most inspiring drivers ever seen in this
country." Ron Walker chairman Australian GP
