R.I.P. Peter Brock

Don Fiveolio

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Apr 23, 2005
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Houston, TX
For those who don't know, this is the guy who designed the Daytona coupe that won Lemans back in the sixtys for Carol Shelby. At least he went doing what he loved.

Peter Brock was hailed as an icon of Australian motor sport and a champion of road safety as tributes poured in from around Australia for the man dubbed "Peter Perfect".

Australians ranging from car enthusiasts to the prime minister hailed the 61-year-old sporting champion killed during a rally in Western Australia.

Fellow driver Jim Richards said there would never be another person like Brock, who won a record nine Bathurst 1000s to earn the moniker "King of the Mountain" in a glittering racing career which spanned three decades.

"He was an icon of Australian motorsport," Mr Richards told Sky News.

"With the following he had from the average person to the multi-nationals ... there will never be another Peter Brock, that's for sure."

Motor racing expert and commentator John Smailes said Brock's death in a rallying accident near Perth was tragic for motor sport and "sport in general in Australia".

"If anyone was immortal, it was Peter Brock," he said.

"Peter had a reputation and nickname. His nickname was Peter Perfect, and that's exactly what he was."

Prime Minister John Howard said Brock's death was a terrible loss for motor racing and Australian sport.

"It's been a pretty sad week for Australia ... and Brocky will be very sadly missed," Mr Howard told reporters.

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley praised Brock's commitment to road safety.

"Peter Brock was an example off the track to aspiring race car drivers, enthusiasts and all Australians with his humility, professionalism and passion," Mr Beazley said.

"Never has a moniker more aptly described an Australian hero than Peter Perfect."

Australia's Olympic boss John Coates paid tribute to Brock's commitments off the racing track.

Brock served as an athlete liaison officer for the Australian team at both the Sydney and Athens Olympics.

"Peter provided support and motivation for athletes and in particular he mentored young athletes who were competing at their first Olympics," said Mr Coates.

At the website www.brock05.com many left messages of bereavement.

"Goodbye Brocky. You will be missed more than you will know. My heart and love goes out to your loved ones left behind and those like me who considered you 'like family'," one message read.

A three-time winner of the Australian Touring Car Championship, Brock was inducted into the V8 Supercars hall of fame in 2001.

V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane said the sport's body would make plans for a special tribute acknowledging Brock at this year's Bathurst 1000, held between October 5-8.

"Peter was an absolute iconic part of our sport," Mr Cochrane said.

"We will certainly be making some plans next week to acknowledge Peter's enormous efforts at Mt Panorama (Bathurst).

"He was very much joined at the hip at Mt Panorama ... so that is an appropriate place to have some kind of special memorial to Peter.

"He was a fantastic sportsman, not only a great motorcar driver but he was a tremendous sportsman. He's a great loss to us."

© 2006 AAP
 
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