Brabham looking to grow down under

The iconic Brabham name is already massive in the annals of Australian history, but it could become an even bigger part of the motorsport world soon.

David Brabham made his first racing start in Australia since 2012 at last month’s GT Festival at Phillip Island where he shared a Mercedes with Chris Batzios in the GT World Challenge Australia.

But racing was not the only thing on the mind of the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours winner.

Brabham also took the opportunity of being at a race track to evaluate the possibility of bringing the iconic name back into the Australian racing industry.

In what form or capacity that would be is still unclear, but the intent is certainly there.

It comes after Brabham Group Limited terminated a six-year partnership with Brabham Automotive Holdings Pty Ltd following the creation of the BT62.

Thanks to Sir Jack Brabham, the family conquered Formula 1 when the Hurtsville racer won three world titles, including becoming the only man to be a championship driving their own car.

David Brabham in the hot seat at Phillip Island. Image: RACE PROJECT

Now son David hopes to see the Brabham name return to being a big part of Australian motorsport. 

“We are looking at what we do in Australia in terms of the name Brabham and so forth,” the 24-time F1 driver told AUTO ACTION.

“I feel like one of the biggest name’s should be here in Australia racing in some shape or form.

“It is part of the reason I was there (Phillip Island) is to talk to people and see where is the opportunity?

“We don’t really know what it could look like.

“We have had a few conversations with people and I will continue to do that just to get a feel and see the interest.

The Brabham BT62 pulling a crowd at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival. Image: Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography

“We will have to partner up with someone but each situation will be slightly different.”

Brabham feels the BT62 showed the famous name still has plenty of cut through and potential more than six decades after Sir Jack won his first F1 title in 1959.

“The automotive project, although it had a five to six year lifespan really showed how strong the brand is,” he said.

“If you put a project underneath it, it brings it to a whole new level.

“It is a well loved name and well respected name both here and abroad.

“There are opportunities and it is just a case of getting the right project and partners to do that.”

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