BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident

Subject: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: Helen
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 04:20 AM

Another Aussie daredevil has died today. Peter Brock, aged 61, has been a living legend in motor car racing for almost 40 years. His car hit a tree in the Targa West Rally in Western Australia.

I think I'm not the only one who thought he was made out of stainless steel, and that he couldn't die, especially while driving. I'm not much of a car racing fan, but he has to be the most well-known, well-respected sports people in Australia, and by all accounts, an all-round good bloke, and a looker as well.

This news item won't be on the ABC new site forever (if this thread lasts more than a few weeks) but it gives the basic info about the crash and a bit of the history of his racing career.
Racing legend Brock killed in car crash

I have to say that Steve Irwin seemed more like someone a bit careless with danger and therefore more likely to get caught out by his exploits, but Brockie was a highly professional driver who didn't behave in a careless way, from everything I have seen of him. I really thought he was invincible on the track, that he would die in his bed in old age.

I'm totally in shock.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 04:22 AM

Speed is danger like any other and all too many flirt with it...however when you hear of someone with great skill who has died in this way it makes you wonder how so many of the 'boy racers' and even some adult not so sensibles survive.
Rest in Peace Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 08:09 AM

If he wants to flirt with danger we can't stop him. He certainly put on a show over the years. Not that I catch much V8 etc from Oz.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 09:03 AM

The land down under has turned out its fair share of great racers and legends. From Black Jack (Brabham) forward the sport has flourished both on the world stage and in that special Aussie way that tends to put a different touch on things.

Peter Brock was a true great. He wasn't called "Peter Perfect" without reason. He was anything but a daredevil. His preparation and style put safety high up the list and if he ever seemed reckless in the cockpit of whatever he was driving nobody can much remember when that might have been. His skill level was at the very top and although age had slowed him, he was driving cars that were still within his not inconsiderable abilities and talents. Like others, he died in a crash that seemed almost innocuous......a simple spinout on a hairpin, but with a tree in just the right place to take his life. Another foot or so and he would have been okay.

The entire racing community will miss Peter Brock. The King of the Hill, a 9 time winner of the Bathurst. A very black day for those of us who love this sport.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 09:03 AM

It seems to me that the Rally track has replaced the ordinary racing track as one of the most
dangerous forms of motor sport. The current race tracks are much more forgiving than they used to be
and fatalities seem to be fairly rare nowadays. One couldn't say the same of the rally routes in Western
Australia, many of the bush tracks are in areas where there is a lot of bauxite near the surface in
the form of gravel. It is commonly called locally, ball-bearing gravel, and that is just what it
resembles, it is diabolical stuff to drive on at any speed and if you come off the track there is all
too often a big tree waiting for you, as Brock and others have found out.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 07:34 PM

If a tree and a mark 1 Jag could get Mike Hawthorn, they could get anyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: GUEST,Luke
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 07:15 AM

It was absolutey terrible hearing the news of two of australias greatest icons being killed within a day of each other, both of them had dangerous professions, and both of them went doing what they loved. I respect noth of these men greatly, and they are a great loss to our country.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: GUEST,Luke
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 07:16 AM

oh, by the way helen, i dont know how to private message, but if you read this can you please check your "six ribbons" thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Peter Brock killed - car racing accident
From: hilda fish
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 08:41 PM

It is indeed a shock that 'Peter Perfect' is no longer with him - the State funeral is coming up in Melbourne. Steve Irwin was buried last week in a private ceremony with a public memorial coming up also next week. My friend received a text message from his friend: "with all our great legends dying just texting to let you know that I am still here". My friend replied "thank goodness for small mercies". The jokes, of course, have already well and truly started and that's the way it goes. Nevertheless, in both cases, my heart very much goes out to their poor families who ultimately suffer the greatest loss and the most personal loss of all.