AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORT GREATS HONOURED AT ORAN PARK

Australian Motorsport Icon’s honoured at Oran Park – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

The town of Oran Park has paid tribute to it’s motor racing history by unveiling of the Oran Park Town Walk of Fame.

Nine Australian motorsport icons have be honoured at the site of the former Oran Park circuit in New South Wales, recognising the area’s motorsport heritage.

The circuit played a pivotal role in the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars from 1971-2008, before the track closed down in 2010 and was redeveloped for housing.

A list of almost 30 drivers and riders has been compiled by Tony Perich and his family, who owned Oran Park Raceway, and led the redevelopment of the facility.

At today’s ceremony, the first nine icons were recognised, including the late three time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jack Brabham AO OBE, who was represented by Lady Margaret Brabham, and motorcycle world champions Wayne Gardner AM and Mick Doohan AM.

Australia’s last F1 world champion Alan Jones MBE, as well as the late nine time Bathurst 1000 winner Peter Brock AM (represented by Bev Brock) were also honoured.

Completing the list were touring car icons Dick Johnson, Allan Moffat OBE, Craig Lowndes OAM and Mark Skaife OAM.

Dick Johnson, Allan Moffat, Bev Brock and Lady Margaret Brabham on the Oran Park Walk of Fame – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

“Here at Oran Park Town we’ve always tried to weave the memories of the circuit into what we’ve done. History is tremendously important to my family. For us, it’s about remembering the cars and remembering the dairy cows too.” said Perich.

“I first came to race at Oran Park on my honeymoon,”added Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the honourees.

“It came a long way from the track it was then to the facility that hosted the Supercars Grand Finale in 2008.”

A small memorial plaque was also unveiled to honour the competitors who lost their lives while competing at the track.

“The memorial plaque doesn’t list names, at the request of some of the families who did not want to see their loved ones named,” Perich added.

“We respected their wishes, but we’ve left room on the memorial in case anyone would like to add something to commemorate a loved one in the future.”

Over the next few years, further stages and names will be added to the Walk of Fame.

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