VALE: DARRELL EASTLAKE

Darrell Eastlake

Former Channel Nine commentator Darrell Eastlake has passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease this morning.

Eastlake commentated and anchored various sports events across Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports program for more than 30 years. After calling rugby league for Newcastle’s NBN-3 network, Eastlake moved to the Nine Network to call the Brisbane Commonwealth Games in 1982.

Eastlake then moved into calling rugby league in the mid-80’s alongside the legendary Ray Warren and Mike Gibson, which included State of Origin for the next decade. However, he is best known for his motorsport commentary where he covered 500cc motorcycle racing with the charismatic Barry Sheene and the Formula 1 coverage with 1980 F1 World Champion Alan Jones.

A racer in the early 1970’s, Eastlake’s excitable calling was his trademark, especially during the burgeoning Australian Super Touring Championship, which was covered by Nine for its first two years. Moments such as Tony Longhurst’s altercation with Paul Morris at Winton, Greg Murphy, Brad Jones and Morris going three-abreast at Lakeside and the developing rivalry between the factory BMW and Audi teams were described by an enthusiastic Eastlake.

He also commentated several touring car support races in support of the Formula 1 Grand Prix held in Adelaide and Melbourne, co-commentating alongside respected figures Jackie Stewart and Murray Walker.

After a distinguished career in the media, Eastlake hung up the microphone and headset after the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne.

Eastlake lost his eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease in a Central Coast nursing home at the age of 75.

Auto Action’s extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.