Peter Brock

Coming up to Bathurst is always an emotional time for Holden fans let alone Peter Brock fans. With the passing of a Motoring legend Peter Brock hitting even harder on the one year anniversary of his untimely death we need to take time to reflect on other losses from within the motor sport arena. Bazza, or Barry Sheene, even though he chose to ride the two wheeled donor cycle to victory I would still consider him a legend, the job he did as a commentator and ambassador for the V8 supercars was outstanding. And he always gave a wave and acknowledged the crowd when they shouted Bazza, or the monotone repetitive drone from the fans on pit straight 'Barry, Barry, Barry, Barry'. We loved Barry even though we were taking the piss, he deserves to be remembered on Dazza's Mates Blog.

I suppose I should also mention the mad men of dog box gear boxes, broken suspension, dust, gravel, mud and snow. The men who spent a good proportion of their lives extremely sideways. I speak of course of the legendary Rally drivers who have met with an untimely death Possum Bourn, and Colin McRae. Both losing their lives in tragic circumstances resulting in an expansive void in the world of Rally.

I have been a fan of Peter Brock for as long as a can remember, Back in primary school, Maitland Area school to be precise. I remember we had a fancy dress day, people went as animals, super heroes, fairies, or a table (my sister), I mean why would you go as a table with a box around your neck plates stuck to the top of the box, a bread basket on your head and a long table cloth, anyway a digress. My costume was by far the most outstanding, blue pants, denim shirt, blue bomber jacket, and my blue open face motorcycle helmet and a 05 sticker on the back. People kept asking are you a parachutist, evil kenevil etc, etc. I would turn to them stare coldly into their eyes and mutter three words 'I AM BROCKY'. A wave of calm, idyllic recognition and familiarity would wash over them, and they would smile and nod knowingly, wink pat me on the shoulder and say. "Of course you are mate, good job". This was just the beginning of my journey as a loyal fan of Peter Brock.

To this day the Peter Brock die-cast model of his 1997 VS touring car remains sealed and unopened as the day it was created, which coincides with the last time Peter Brock drove around the legendary Mallala track, which I witnessed with Cathy & Rowey, unforgettable. And the poster of Peter signed by the man himself takes pride of place in my shed, with four words etched on the surface for ever, 'DARREN, CHEERS, PETER BROCK', need I say anymore..