RIP Sir Jack Brabham

Post by **Londoner** » 18 May 2014, 22:51

Very sad news just coming in via Twitter is that Sir Jack Brabham, the three-time F1 World Champion and founder of the Brabham F1 team, passed away earlier today.

https://twitter.com/PeterMcKayWords/status/468146939360313344

RIP Jack, 1926-2014. :cry:

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 18 May 2014, 22:53

Just read about this, very sad news.

RIP Jack

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 18 May 2014, 22:57

This is terrible news :cry:

RIP Sir Jack.

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 18 May 2014, 22:59

This is very sad news. RIP Jack, thoughts with his family and friends right now in this very sad time.

AndreaModa · Post by **AndreaModa** » 18 May 2014, 23:09

That's tragic news, I was unaware that he was unwell, I was under the impression he was still getting about and doing things. He was a true piece of motorsport history, in every sense, and has left not only his own legacy on the sport, but that of his children and grandchildren.

It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

RIP Jack.

Shadaza · Post by **Shadaza** » 18 May 2014, 23:11

A true legend of the sport, as a driver, team owner and father, RIP.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 18 May 2014, 23:12

AndreaModa wrote:That's tragic news, I was unaware that he was unwell, I was under the impression he was still getting about and doing things.

Same here, I hadn't heard anything about it. Even despite his age, it still come as a shock.

watka · Post by **watka** » 18 May 2014, 23:23

RIP Jack Brabham. Horrible bit of sudden news to hear and I'm saddened. Great driver, great man. Founder of probably my favourite ever F1 team hence why I'm temporarily changing my avatar to commemorate his achievements.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 18 May 2014, 23:50

RIP Sir Jack. The guy was an institution to Australian Motorsport and the wider global racing community who'll never be forgotten

Alextrax52 · Post by **Alextrax52** » 18 May 2014, 23:54

RIP Sir Jack. He really helped to put Australia on the F1 map

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 19 May 2014, 00:04

Very sad news, RIP.

AndreaModa wrote:It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

I echo that sentiment emphatically. As a history student it's horrible to think of stories left unwritten for eternity. Its why a site like this is so valuable, for collating the fascinating tales of otherwise easily-forgotten figures.

eytl · Post by **eytl** » 19 May 2014, 00:10

Here in Australia it was well-known that Sir Jack had been frail and unwell for a while, but still his passing has come as a shock, and the news has broken quickly. It is 10am Monday morning here on the east coast of Australia and apparently he passed away after an early breakfast this morning.

Sir Jack's place in world motorsport is slightly undervalued, IMHO, because he was not known as charismatic but was an engineer first and foremost. The fact that he was pivotal to the rear-engined revolution, a three-time world champion (with other near-misses in 1967 and 1970 that could have made him a five-time champion), and the only man to engineer his own championship winning car (a feat that has never and will probably never be repeated, even if you say "times are different"), makes him one of the true legends of F1.

Add to that the fact that he became the patriarch of a motor racing dynasty that rivals the Pettys, Unsers and Andrettis in America, with Geoff, Gary and David having all reached the heights of Indycars or F1 or sports car racing, and his legacy to Australian motorsport was perhaps even more important than the likes of Peter Brock.

I know he wasn't the first Australian to go to Europe but his success was undoubtedly an inspiration to those that followed - including Jones, Webber, Ricciardo.

Given how Bernie Ecclestone made his way in F1 via ownership of the Brabham team, is it also fair enough to say that without Sir Jack there would have been no Bernie?

RIP Sir Jack.

shinji wrote:Very sad news, RIP.

AndreaModa wrote:It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

I echo that sentiment emphatically. As a history student it's horrible to think of stories left unwritten for eternity. Its why a site like this is so valuable, for collating the fascinating tales of otherwise easily-forgotten figures.

Yes. And it's worth noting that with Sir Jack's passing, the two oldest living World Champions are John Surtees and, would you believe it, Sir Jackie Stewart.

FantometteBR · Post by **FantometteBR** » 19 May 2014, 00:48

RIP Sir Jack. Too bad his legacy isn't much around apart one or other thing but his past legacy still survives through story

Meatwad · Post by **Meatwad** » 19 May 2014, 01:51

Rest in peace, Sir Jack. :cry:

At least he lived much longer than many of his contemporaries.

W12 · Post by **W12** » 19 May 2014, 04:19

Terrible news. R.I.P, Sir Jack

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 19 May 2014, 05:22

RIP Sir Jack, not my favourite driver of the 60s by any means, he wasn't known as "Black Jack" for no reason. He had a reputation as uncompromising at least on track.
Main memories would be him sliding into the barriers at the very last corner at Monaco 1970, handing the race to Rindt's Lotus 49. (He recovered to finish 2nd) & hobbling down the grid at one race with walking sticks & fake beard in response to jibes about his age, leading Murray to say "The bearded driver is quite beyond my recognition"
Can't imagine that happening now.

Condolences to his family & friends.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 19 May 2014, 06:12

Yup, sad news but what an innings the lad had. A legend has left us but the memories will live on.

good_Ralf · Post by **good_Ralf** » 19 May 2014, 06:41

RIP Jack. A one-of-a-kind driver. And a successful one at that too.

rachel1990 · Post by **rachel1990** » 19 May 2014, 07:22

Very sad news. What a driver.

R.I.P Sir Jack

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 19 May 2014, 08:04

RIP Jack, he was a true great of the sport and had a massive influence on all Australian motorsport.

Pointrox · Post by **Pointrox** » 19 May 2014, 08:35

R.I.P., Sir Jack. One of the last men that raced in the 60s and lived to tell about it, a true living legend.
May his legacy continue.

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 19 May 2014, 09:44

Literally just found out about this on the news ticker at the Sports Centre. Even though he has passed at the age of 88, I'm still in shock. Everything has already been said about him.

RIP Sir Jack. A true legend of the sport.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 19 May 2014, 10:11

Incredibly sad and sudden news indeed. An inspiration to many, RIP Sir Jack.

David AGS · Post by **David AGS** » 19 May 2014, 10:18

A very sad day for the sport we love.

I was very fortunate to meet Sir Jack around 10 years ago, and will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. Seemed like a terrific person, both on and off the track. Always made time for the fans, and I hope his achievements will be more recognised in Australia with our other great athletes (sadly late though)

RIP Sir Jack

Eytl, I agree with Bernie and Brabham, but you would imagine that he would be involved someway or another! Also, Ron Dennis was Brabham's mechanic at his team, so his influence still involved in the sport today

MorbidelliObese · Post by **MorbidelliObese** » 19 May 2014, 10:55

Just woke up to this news, came as a bit of a shock, I'd completely forgotten that he was 88, probably because he was racing as "recently" as 1970 (in itself probably a testament to how quick he was at 44).

RIP

AndreaModa wrote:It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

Couldn't agree more with this

Collieafc · Post by **Collieafc** » 19 May 2014, 11:24

RIP Jack Brabham. One of the drivers who has been a much bigger success than is documented. Its easy for history to remember him for being the first/only driver to win the title in a car he built (can you imagine that happening now?) but he was a great driver regardless.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 19 May 2014, 11:33

Very sad news today. Certainly an inspiration towards Motorsport and Australia. RIP

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 19 May 2014, 14:20

RIP Sir Jack. It is very sad news. He is one of my favorite championship winning drivers of all time. It is a great achievement that he won in a car he engineered and I think it is quite underrated...

Post by **Miguel98** » 19 May 2014, 16:23

This was something I was not expecting to hear today. It's really sad, one of the best drivers and the only to have won an World Champioship in his oen built car. That will remain forever as the only man who did it

RIP Sir Jack.

Post by **mario** » 19 May 2014, 16:37

shinji wrote:Very sad news, RIP.

AndreaModa wrote:It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

I echo that sentiment emphatically. As a history student it's horrible to think of stories left unwritten for eternity. Its why a site like this is so valuable, for collating the fascinating tales of otherwise easily-forgotten figures.

There was one excellent story recounted by one news reporter today, which was a story passed on to him through Jackie Stewart - Brabham was giving a few drivers a lift to one circuit when the car was stopped by a policeman. Naturally, the policeman leaned in and said to Brabham "Who do you think you are - Sterling Moss?", to which Brabham reportedly replied "No, because he's sitting in the back seat."

As others have said, whilst it is sad to hear of his passing today, at least he has left a fantastic legacy behind him and had a long and successful career.

Post by **tommykl** » 19 May 2014, 16:52

mario wrote:
shinji wrote:Very sad news, RIP.

AndreaModa wrote:It is important that as many stories, memories and anecdotes from the older generations are collected before it's too late. It won't be many years down the line before very few of the chaps from the 50s and 60s will be left and we need to make sure we remember them in the best possible way.

I echo that sentiment emphatically. As a history student it's horrible to think of stories left unwritten for eternity. Its why a site like this is so valuable, for collating the fascinating tales of otherwise easily-forgotten figures.

There was one excellent story recounted by one news reporter today, which was a story passed on to him through Jackie Stewart - Brabham was giving a few drivers a lift to one circuit when the car was stopped by a policeman. Naturally, the policeman leaned in and said to Brabham "Who do you think you are - Sterling Moss?", to which Brabham reportedly replied "No, because he's sitting in the back seat."

As others have said, whilst it is sad to hear of his passing today, at least he has left a fantastic legacy behind him and had a long and successful career.

It's hard to believe that Brabham got pulled over for anything more than a routine check. Brabham was such a safe driver on public roads that Tony Brooks once forced his way behind the wheel because Brabham refused to overtake some lorries!

I knew this day would come, but I always hoped it would be later. Good bye, Black Jack.

And to think he last appeared publicly yesterday...

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 19 May 2014, 19:39

tommykl wrote:
mario wrote:There was one excellent story recounted by one news reporter today, which was a story passed on to him through Jackie Stewart - Brabham was giving a few drivers a lift to one circuit when the car was stopped by a policeman. Naturally, the policeman leaned in and said to Brabham "Who do you think you are - Sterling Moss?", to which Brabham reportedly replied "No, because he's sitting in the back seat."

As others have said, whilst it is sad to hear of his passing today, at least he has left a fantastic legacy behind him and had a long and successful career.

It's hard to believe that Brabham got pulled over for anything more than a routine check. Brabham was such a safe driver on public roads that Tony Brooks once forced his way behind the wheel because Brabham refused to overtake some lorries!

I knew this day would come, but I always hoped it would be later. Good bye, Black Jack.

And to think he last appeared publicly yesterday...

Yeah, something about this story is odd (without wanting to doubt mario): it sounds too much like a similar story about Ayrton Senna, where he was asked whether he thinks he's Ayrton Senna.

Aside from my unneeded cynicism, it is truly a loss for the motorsport world. Let's celebrate the legacy of a true legend of motorsport.

Barbazza · Post by **Barbazza** » 19 May 2014, 20:18

Shame I wasn't around when he was racing, but I've seen enough footage to know that he was one of the greats. RIP Sir Jack.

UncreativeUsername37 · Post by **UncreativeUsername37** » 19 May 2014, 20:28

Klon wrote:
tommykl wrote:
mario wrote:There was one excellent story recounted by one news reporter today, which was a story passed on to him through Jackie Stewart - Brabham was giving a few drivers a lift to one circuit when the car was stopped by a policeman. Naturally, the policeman leaned in and said to Brabham "Who do you think you are - Sterling Moss?", to which Brabham reportedly replied "No, because he's sitting in the back seat."

As others have said, whilst it is sad to hear of his passing today, at least he has left a fantastic legacy behind him and had a long and successful career.

It's hard to believe that Brabham got pulled over for anything more than a routine check. Brabham was such a safe driver on public roads that Tony Brooks once forced his way behind the wheel because Brabham refused to overtake some lorries!

I knew this day would come, but I always hoped it would be later. Good bye, Black Jack.

And to think he last appeared publicly yesterday...

Yeah, something about this story is odd (without wanting to doubt mario): it sounds too much like a similar story about Ayrton Senna, where he was asked whether he thinks he's Ayrton Senna.

Aside from my unneeded cynicism, it is truly a loss for the motorsport world. Let's celebrate the legacy of a true legend of motorsport.

I saw a version where Stirling Moss is asked if he's Stirling Moss, and the guy needs some convincing before he believes him....

go_Rubens · Post by **go_Rubens** » 19 May 2014, 20:54

A true legend of the world of motorsport. Sir Jack Brabham in my view is one of the best all timers. He managed to win the championship in a car he built, which will very likely never be repeated again. He was still competitive in his mid 40s, something many drivers weren't. He was even at the Goodwood revival 10 years ago, and IIRC, he drove an old Cooper there. He was a true hero for Australian motorsport, as well as motorsport everywhere.

RIP Sir Jack Brabham.

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 20 May 2014, 03:20

Rest in peace Sir Jack. Truly one of the greats.

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 20 May 2014, 05:51

RIP Sir Jack

He's definitely the Australian pioneer for F1 drivers.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 20 May 2014, 07:12

Klon wrote:Yeah, something about this story is odd (without wanting to doubt mario): it sounds too much like a similar story about Ayrton Senna, where he was asked whether he thinks he's Ayrton Senna.

Ive begun to think that story's an F1 urban myth as Im sure I read a Schumacher themed version during the mid nineties. Perhaps it has its origins with the Moss story.

Anyway, here's a nice statement from Webber...

http://www.markwebber.com/marks-stateme ... k-brabham/

I smiled at this comment...

He provided me with endless support and advice over the years and became a close confidante - even right up until the last couple of years when, after hearing the rumours that I might move to Ferrari, he told me he would be very disappointed if I went there because for him, it was the absolute betrayal because they were his motivation – the ones he wanted to beat in his day!

dinizintheoven · Post by **dinizintheoven** » 20 May 2014, 11:59

I came back from a day out in Sheffield over the weekend to be greeted with this news on the way back.

What I was trying to find yesterday was one of Jim Bamber's cartoons, drawn after a legend of motorsport had died - it involved a laurel wreath being placed with a pile of other wreaths for other drivers who had been and gone - Jim Clark, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jochen Rindt and so on. Some of the wreaths were distinctively decorated - the one that just said "Mike" had a bow tie on it, so we all knew it was for Mike Hawthorn. But there was another wreath with "Jack"... and there was only one Jack we could think of who it might be fore and were all thinking "er, Jim, you do know Sir Jack Brabham's still alive, don't you?"

Ultimately, though, Sir Jack's had a fine innings - and has just lived to see the 20th anniversary of Imola's Black Weekend that saw the death of another three-time World Champion, as well as his son's team-mate. Those are some strange coincidences there.

And as for being the only World Champion ever to have won in his own car - well, I don't think you're going to change that, do you, Mr Pentecost?

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 20 May 2014, 12:51

UgncreativeUsergname wrote:
Klon wrote:
tommykl wrote:It's hard to believe that Brabham got pulled over for anything more than a routine check. Brabham was such a safe driver on public roads that Tony Brooks once forced his way behind the wheel because Brabham refused to overtake some lorries!

I knew this day would come, but I always hoped it would be later. Good bye, Black Jack.

And to think he last appeared publicly yesterday...

Yeah, something about this story is odd (without wanting to doubt mario): it sounds too much like a similar story about Ayrton Senna, where he was asked whether he thinks he's Ayrton Senna.

Aside from my unneeded cynicism, it is truly a loss for the motorsport world. Let's celebrate the legacy of a true legend of motorsport.

I saw a version where Stirling Moss is asked if he's Stirling Moss, and the guy needs some convincing before he believes him....

In the version I know, Senna was asked if he thought himself to be Nigel Mansell.

Dying at 88, at home, still able to leave home just the day before, during breakfast, and after a long and successful life... that's terrific, I want that way of dying for me, where do I have to sign? I feel sorry for his wife and family, but when people leave that way I feel no sorrow, as death is the necessary and unavoidable end of life.

RIP Sir Jack, your achievements will always be remembered.