Vale Peter Brock

Holden Racing Team
The Holden Racing Team is saddened and shocked by the death of former driver and nine-time Bathurst champion Peter Brock.

The 61-year-old was synonymous driving for the works Holden team, firstly the famous Holden Dealer Team and then for HRT in a span from 1994 to 1997.

Brock had his last drive in the famous Bathurst 1000 with HRT in 2004.

Holden Racing Team staff and management are extremely saddened by the tragic accident in Perth that claimed Brock's life.

Five-time Bathurst winner Mark Skaife shared his memories of the childhood hero that he would line up alongside and later co-drive with.

"I remember the very first touring car race I had and I lined up alongside him on the grid," said Skaife today.

"When I looked across and saw that I was on the grid next to Peter Brock, I knew I had made it.

"I was fortunate to race with and against him and learnt an immense amount from his approach to motorsport.

"He was the guy that all young guys aimed at emulating.

"Peter always made time for his fans and understood how important it was to spend time with them and what they meant to our industry.

"At his best, Brock was the ultimate racing driver. A classic example was Bathurst in 1979 when he won by six laps and broke the lap record on the last lap.

"P. Brock's ethos was to get out there and have a red hot go. He lived his life like that. Brocky was Australia's  motorsport icon and the legendary ambassador for our sport."

Former Holden Young Lion and HRT driver for the last three and a half years, Todd Kelly, was stunned by the news.

"I just can't believe it," Kelly, who shared victory in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour with Brock -- his last major victory -- said.

"We shared a lot of things over the last few years and I remember meeting him when I was a kid. He had such a big impact on me when I was a part of the Holden Young Lions program in 1997 when he was still racing.

"He gave me so much help in all aspects when I was young and impressionable. All he ever wanted to do was to help. When I was trying to raise money for my racing in the early years in Mildura, he and Greg Murphy came and helped raise funds.

"At Bathurst in 1997 I was the right wheel changer on his Commodore for what was going to be his last Bathurst. I was more nervous changing that wheel than I've ever been in a race car!

"He had a huge impact on my life and was an incredible mentor. You just can't buy that sort of advice, especially from someone like Peter Brock."

Greg Murphy
I'm absolutely shattered. Peter was my childhood hero. I always had the number '05' on my go karts when I was a kid. The 1984 Bathurst race that he won in the day-glow HDT Commodore was what got me hooked on motorsport when I was young.

"To then go on and be team-mates with Peter was a dream come true for me. The Bathurst 24 Hour victory that I shared with him, his last major win, in 2003, is one of the highlights of my life.

"It was already a sad week for Australia with the death of Steve Irwin but this just makes it even worse."

"He always used to write 'follow your dreams' on his autographs and that was something I picked up from him. I've learnt that from him in order to become a more complete racing driver and his on-track achievements are something only a man could wish for.

"With Bathurst around the corner, Peter will be sadly missed. It just won't be Bathurst without Brock."

Peter Brock was a fine ambassador for the Holden brand for almost 40 years as a racing car driver and tireless community advocate.

He leaves an indelible mark on the history of the company.

Holden extends its sympathy to Peter's family, friends, and his many thousands of fans around Australia and the globe.

Holden also wishes Peter's co-driver Mick Hone, who was injured in the event, a full recovery.

"On behalf of all our staff, the Holden Racing Team and Toll HSV Dealer Team I would like to pay tribute to Peter Brock for his contribution to Australian motorsport over many years," Mr Crennan said.

"We are particularly saddened that he is lost to his family and friends when he was still very much in the prime of his life."

Toll HSV Dealer Team

Toll HSV Dealer Team expresses its shock at the untimely passing of Peter Brock. It passes on its sympathy to his family and friends

Following are statements by leading V8 Supercar drivers Garth Tander and Rick Kelly:

Garth Tander
"That's incredibly sad news from Perth today. It is an absolute tragedy. It is almost surreal. For race drivers like me, it is a bit like when we woke up to hear that Ayrton Senna had died. It is almost like we didn't believe it. It's very, very difficult to get your head around.

"I was part of the Holden Bathurst 24-hour team with Peter, and have done quite a bit of work with him at various Holden functions and driver training days, and so I knew him quite well.

"He leaves a tremendous legacy. He was a massive campaigner for driver education, especially the value of early driver education. Ironically, one of his main messages was that if young drivers felt the need to drive fast, then to take up motorsport -- don't do it on the street.

"He was very passionate about that. His message really struck a chord with me, and I am pretty passionate about road safety as well.

"It is going to be quite strange going to Bathurst and not having the King of the Mountain there in some form or another. One thing that was always great about Peter was that he would always come and see you on the grid before the start of the race and wish you well and pass on a bit of advice. It is going to be very strange to not have that on the Sunday morning."

"At the various sponsor functions and things we have done, Brockie, even though his time was always limited, always made the time to try and support the younger people coming through.

"So, he is going to be missed dearly by us all. As I said, at the moment we are all still in shock.

"Bathurst is going to be different this year. Brockie has always been there.

Statement from Allan Moffat
I can only say that I am shocked beyond belief by the news that my former great opponent and good friend, Peter Brock, has been killed during an event in Western Australia today.

He was doing what he loved to do but even so, it beggars belief that one week can claim two great Australian icons - both too young.

My thoughts and sincere condolences go to his loved ones.

Allan Moffat

The accident occurred at approximately 11:50am WST. The co-driver has been conveyed to hospital in a stable condition.

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) will conduct a full investigation into the incident. In the mean time, CAMS and event officials are working with the relevant civil authorities.

On behalf of the motor sport community, CAMS offers its sincere sympathy to Peter’s family and many friends.

CAMS will issue additional statements as further information becomes available for release.

Colin Osborne, CAMS President, will be holding a media conference at the South Australian Office of CAMS at 3.30pm today.