Iconic commentator Garry Wilkinson receives special honour
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 6 October 2023
One of the most recognised voices of the Great Race, Garry Wilkinson has been acknowledged for his decades of service at Bathurst this weekend.
Wilkinson has been inducted into the Supercars Media Association Hall of Fame during the 60th anniversary Bathurst 1000.
Wilkinson commentated motorsport for well over two decades on Channel 7 including some of the most famous Bathurst moments such as the Allan Moffat and Colin Bond one two in 1977 and both of Peter Brock’s hat-tricks.
His most infamous moment was keeping his head as beer cans were thrown in his direction when tensions escalated on the 1992 Bathurst 1000 podium following Jim Richards’ scathing attack on the hostile crowds behaviour.
Wilkinson formed a famous partnership with Mike Raymond and Evan Green, while later on also working with a young Neil Crompton.
Not only were his interviews and well articulated special comments much loved, but his at times adventurous and wild telecast openers became must-watch highlights.
Wilkinson arrived at Channel 7 from radio but had hardly covered any motorsport before holding the microphone.
Despite his voice forever being related to Bathurst, this is Wilkinson’s first trip to Mount Panorama since his last time covering it for Channel 7 all the way back in 1998.
He admitted it was touching to receive the honour during an emotional presentation with his close friend Crompton.
“It’s the biggest surprise I have had in a long time, such an unexpected thing,” he said.
“I am just about to click over my 64th year in broadcasting, and my 25 years in motorsport, I had more fun, more excitement and met more great people and friends than the rest put together.
“I came to motorsport with no technical knowledge, I was foolish enough to put my hand up to cover for someone who was unavailable and I never looked back.
“I couldn’t have survived in Motorsport if it wasn’t for the people who provided support, and were not afraid to tell me if I got something wrong.”
“My interest was in the people behind the wheel or the people in the pit crew.
“It’s the same with any sport I cover; it’s not about the technicalities it is about the sport and the people and personalities.”
In addition to covering many years of ATCC racing plus the Bathurst 1000, Wilkinson also worked on multiple Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Australian Open Championships, plus nightly news bulletins.
Image: Thomas Miles
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