Australia Loses Yet Another Legend

[DownUnder LLG]

Hot on the heels of Steve Irwin dying in a freak accident from a stingray, Australia says farewell to another legend today.

I am not expecting many here to know him, but today Peter Brock died in a car accident. Peter Brock was a legend in car racing here down under. He was the Lance Armstrong of car racing here in Australia, not that he ever had to fight a deadly disease such as cancer like Lance did, but like Lance in the TdF, Peter Brock was unbeatable on the track.

He was a true gentleman both on and off the circuit and I can say that I had the pleasure of meeting him in person and having a cap signed by him. It was at a release of his book and he was doing the usual autogragh thing. We waited in line and I noticed how people were bringing 3-5 items to be signed, everything from car parts to clothing to books. I could see that he was completely fatigued as he had been their so long and people were just shoving things at him to sign, he wouldn't look up and was going like some sort of production line. When I finally got to him I said, "Mr Brock, would you please sign this cap? And I just want to say that while I am not the biggest racing fan in the world I think that you are a true gentleman and I wish you well for the future (he was going into retirement... well until at least he decided a come back might be good) and I hope you find as much happiness off the track as you did on". He stop just short of signing my cap and looked up at me and smiled. At that point he seemed to forget about the long line still waiting and we talked for a few minutes, which he seemed happy for the brake. Finally he got to signing my cap and asked "what do you want me to write?", I said "Sir, your signature is more than enough you've already had a hard night I can tell". He signed my cap 'Cheers, Peter Brock'. While not significant as far as messages go, it was enough for me and I think it conveyed his thoughts as well as all the other signatures he was doing were just that, and by that time of the night were not much more than a scribble. As I took my leave I once again wished him well and every happines and he stuck his hand out for me to shake and smiled.

People can take advantage of such situations which is what alot of people were doing by taking 3-5 items for signing. I just wanted to meet than man and wish him well.

He was a great man and a super tactician on the track and will be sadly missed.

The ironic thing being that, like Steve Irwin who died doing what he loved in a freak accident, Peter Brock died in a car race which was called the Targa West. It was right here in Western Australia where I live (he was from the East Coast) and yet again in a freak accident. A man so accomplished in his chosen sport, profession and job who had once retired and then decided to make a come back died doing what he loved.

They say it happens in 3's, and not that I wish such a fate on anyone, but it's like I'm holding my breath for the next one.

RIP Peter Brock, you will live in our memories.

[IHT]

sorry to hear.

what about mat mladin in AMA superbike racing? will he 5 or 6-peat this year, or will the young american (ben spies) hold him off for the C-ship?

what about mick doohan in grandprix racing? he had, what, 7 straight titles?

some fast aussies.

[KASR]

That sucks. Sorry to hear it. Is Australian celebrities targeted for termination or what/!?!??!

KASR

[SDmate]

Peter brock was one of the greatest touring car drivers in Australia
I watched many a Commadore Vs Falcon battle at bathurst heck I even remember when he was racin Toranas in the 70s.....he will be missed..

[Hammerhead]

Wow. That's very sad. They say "it comes in threes", let's hope the third isn't this traumatic.

[DownUnder LLG]

Originally Posted by IHT

sorry to hear.

what about mat mladin in AMA superbike racing? will he 5 or 6-peat this year, or will the young american (ben spies) hold him off for the C-ship?

what about mick doohan in grandprix racing? he had, what, 7 straight titles?

some fast aussies.

Yeah, some fast 2 wheel Aussies their Greg. Of course we can't leave out Wayne Gardiner who really paved the way for the likes of Mick Doohan. Also Kevin McGee, although he tried hard he could never really seem to get a good break.

[4WheelVFR]

That sucks! Peter Brock was indeed a legend in auto racing, and a helluva personality to boot. RIP

[Lumpold]

Is Dame Edna still about? She's your top mational treasure....

[Baric]

That must really suck, Australias been hit badly recently with losing national heros.

[DownUnder LLG]

Originally Posted by Lumpold

Is Dame Edna still about? She's your top mational treasure....

Helloooooooooooo Possums... Yes Dame Edna is still about.

[cigar no baka]

Well, maybe the third can be Crocodile Dundee...... (j/k)

That's very sad news. It's always so painful to see people cut down in the prime of their life.