Tribute to Sir Jack Brabham

One of the world’s greatest F1 racecar drivers, Sir Jack Brabham, passed away this morning. The motorsport icon and three-time Formula One champion had been battling liver disease for years now, but unfortunately this is one challenge that he didn’t prevail. The news was confirmed by his son David Brabham, who made the announcement on his personal website.

He wrote, “It’s a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind.”

Former F1 racer David Brabham also tweeted, “Thanks for all the kind messages about my father’s peaceful passing, it is appreciated by the whole family”. Matthew Brabham, who continues the legacy of his grandfather, also took Twitter to share his sentiments. The Indycars racer wrote, “RIP Poppy. Will miss you very much. You where my inspiration. “Get after ’em.”

We at VroomVroomVroom extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the late John Arthur “Jack” Brabham. In honor of the three-time world champion, we made a tribute that showcases some of Sir Brabham’s memorable moments and greatest achievements.

1951: Jack Brabham married Betty and they had three sons namely Gary, Geoffrey, and David, who all raced like their father.

1953: Aside from winning four successive Australian championships in self-prepared midgets, Jack Brabham was named the hillclimb champion in a British-built Cooper-Bristol.

1960: Also known as “Black Jack”, Brabham got his second successive championship by dominating the nine-race series held in Belgium, Holland, Britain, Portugal, and France.

1966: He became the first and only man to win the world championship riding a car that has his own name.

1970: At age 44, Jack Brabham decided to retire as a racecar driver and ended his career by winning the South African Grand Prix.

1995: Jack Brabham married his second wife Margaret and since then have lived on the Gold Coast.

1985: The British motorsport industry hailed him as Sir Jack Brabham for his contribution. He was also inducted at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

2011-2012: He was inducted at the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame and named a National Living Treasure.

2012: Tribute dinner to Jack Brabham on the Gold Coast where he was joined by his family and friends.

We could all learn something from Sir Jack Brabham’s life. Just like what he said, “I think the reason I got through it all is that I was able to keep control of my emotions… If I couldn’t win a race, it didn’t mean anything to me.” Now we all know that he didn’t race to win, but he did it because he wanted to do it.