In this file photo dated September 11, 1966 shows Australian driver Jack Brabham in his Brabham-Honda racing car at Circuit de Monthl ry in France. PHOTO: AFP
Formula One great Sir Jack Brabham, who claimed three world drivers’ titles and remains the only man to win the championship in a car he built himself, died on Monday, said his family.
The Australian, acclaimed as one of the sport’s most influential figures with the technological innovations brought about by the team he created helping shape Formula One, was also the first driver to be knighted for services to motorsport.
“It’s a very sad day for all of us,” said son David Brabham in a statement. “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.”
After serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, he took up racing cars and went on to win drivers’ championships in 1959 and 1960 with the Cooper Racing Team and again in 1966 in his own Brabham car.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2014.
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