Bathurst honours Peter Brock 20 years after his death
Fans applauded on lap 5 in a nod to Brock’s racing number, while Larry Perkins brought the Peter Brock Trophy to the grid.
Peter Brock was remembered at the Bathurst 1000 with a pre-race silence, a parade of his cars and applause from spectators as Australian motorsport marked 20 years since his death.
The nine-time winner of the race died aged 61 in a racing accident. His 1975 Holden Torana was among the cars driven around Mount Panorama before the start, while John Williamson performed True Blue at McPhillamy Park.
Larry Perkins, Brock’s long-time co-driver, delivered the Peter Brock Trophy to the grid, where 52 racers were assembled. The pair won three consecutive Bathurst 1000 races from 1982 to 1984. Once racing began, spectators applauded during lap 5 to acknowledge Brock’s car number.
Brock’s friend and protege Craig Lowndes was among the drivers in the 26-car field for the 161-lap race. The seven-time winner, aged 52, shared Team 18’s No.15 wildcard entry with Super2 racer Bayley Hall as he made his 33rd bid for victory.
Lowndes said mentoring younger drivers was his way of continuing Brock’s legacy. He has raced alongside rookies since Jamie Whincup retired in 2021 and said he still missed being able to speak with Brock before a race.
