PERKINS AND BOWE AMONGST QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Legends of Australian motorsport Larry Perkins and John Bowe have been recognised as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2021.
The two Bathurst 1000 winners, Perkins (six times) and Bowe (twice) were appointed as members of the Order of Australia (AM) for their contributions to motorsport.
Perkins enjoyed 11 Formula 1 starts as well as a long career in the Australian Touring Car Championship between 1981-2003 as both an owner/driver.
While Bowe who continues to race in Touring Car Masters has a had string of successes including an Australian Touring Car Championship title and two Gold Star in an active career in the sport for over 50 years.
In addition, long-time Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos, Former Supercars Executive Chairman Tony Cochrane, Australian Grand Prix event director Trent Smyth and safety expert Dr Michael Henderson were also recognised for their contributions to the sport.
Papadopoulos served as President of Motorsport Australia for more than a decade until his retirement last year, having also served the sport in an international capacity as both an FIA Steward and as President of the FIA’s global ASN Development Taskforce.
Cochrane is best known for his role in transforming the ATCC into V8 Supercars as well as serving as chairman for 16 years before stepping down to take up a role in AFL in 2012.
Dr Henderson, originally from the United Kingdom, has made significant contributions to motor vehicle and motorsport safety in Australia having been instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Government’s road crash research unit and test laboratory, Crash Lab.
From a motorsport point of view, Dr Henderson’s expertise and passion for the sport saw him hold multiple high profile roles such as Vice President of the Historic Sports and Racing Car Association of NSW, Deputy Chairman of the Motorsport Australia Historic Motor Sport Commission and the Inaugural Chairman of the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety (AIMSS).
Current Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser praised both Papadopoulos and Dr Henderson for their major roles within the sport.
“I am very pleased that both Andrew and Dr Henderson have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List as they have been critical in helping motorsport get to where it is today,” said Fraser.
“Motorsport Australia has grown to be a globally recognised leader in motorsport under Andrew’s leadership, and his passion for motorsport has seen him rise to a significant position within the FIA, particularly in the area of ASN Development.
“His commitment to driver development is particularly noteworthy and it is no accident that there are so many young and talented Australian racers competing in the world today.
“Dr Henderson established a worldwide reputation for excellence in safety, and for more than 50 years he has had an internationally recognised pre-eminent role in the area of motor vehicle safety research.
“While difficult to quantify, his contribution towards the reduction in trauma and death on both the road and the race track has been very significant.
“These gentlemen are worthy recipients of this award and everyone at Motorsport Australia is extremely proud of their achievements.”
See a full list of citation:
Officer in the General Division (AO)
Dr Michael Henderson: For distinguished service to motor vehicle and motorsport safety, and to the prevention of road trauma.
Member in the General Division (AM)
John Bowe: For significant service to motorsport as a touring car driver.
Tony Cochrane: For significant service to sports administration, and to entertainment production.
Andrew Papadopoulos: For significant service to motorsport, and to driver safety and education.
Larry Perkins: For significant service to motorsport as a touring car driver and team owner.
Trent Smyth: For significant service to international relations, to motorsport, and to business.
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