Vale Tim Miles
Much-loved motorsport identity and driver Tim Miles has tragically passed away in a cycling accident in Sydney this morning.
The popular Kiwi, part of the ‘Ashburton Gang’ (a group of kiwi motorsport identities from the town south of Christchurch) and raced in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
Aussie fans will know him best from his time recently competing in the GT World Challenge Australia field alongside fellow Kiwi Brendon Leitch.
The all-New Zealand duo currently sit fourth in the standings with a podium, but took a breakthrough win in Phillip Island last year.
Brendon Leitch and Tim Miles celebrate their GT World Challenge victory. Image: Daniel Kailsz
In addition to the Audi R8, Miles was also a regular in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and took four wins on his way to fifth in the Challenge class in 2017.
He was racing as recently as June 14-15 when he joined the Ford Mustang Challenge Invitational at Le Mans with Wall Racing, He enjoyed a personal highlight by finishing an impressive second in the Dark Horse Legends class in the finale of the support category for the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours event.
Miles also made a big impact off the track, through his company, Miles Advisory Partners. He was the key middle-man in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011. A decade later he also brokered the sale of Supercars to Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises.
Tim Miles shares a smile with the Michelin Man on the iconic Le Mans podium. Image: Tim Miles Facebook
Below is the full statement from the Miles family
The world has lost the bright, shining light that was Tim Miles.
Tim was involved in a tragic and ultimately fatal accident this (Sunday, 6 July) morning in Sydney while enjoying one of his Favorite hobbies – cycling.
His loss is keenly felt by friends and family, especially Wife, Tracy, and daughters Caley and Erin.
Tim was a family man, though one who loved nothing more than stressing out his beloved Tracy about his latest motorsport-related purchase or adventure – all the while proudly telling stories of his two daughters’ successes in life.
His passing will be notably impactful on his other love – a motorsport community that felt Tim’s impact as a competitor, an owner, a supporter and as a businessman for more than 35 years.
Tim was born in Ashburton on New Zealand’s South Island and initially chased the dream as a racing driver, before focussing on business and growing his successful business advisory firm, Miles Advisory Partners.
It was through his success in business that allowed him to extend his passion for motorsport and his family, the two of which often intertwined.
The Tim Miles Audi. Image: RACE PROJECT
He was noted as a competitor in one-make Porsche racing and GT competition and as a key backer of the international careers of young stars from Australia and New Zealand, including Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.
Most recently he lived a dream by competing at the Le Mans 24 Hours, where he ran a tribute livery to longstanding family friend, Rod McElrea.
All gestures that showcased Tim’s selflessness and his passion for motorsport.
Tim was a fantastic storyteller, a man with a brilliant sense of humour and who showed genuine interest in the lives of those around him – whether he’d known them for years or just met them.
His loss will be keenly felt by family and friends, the business community in which he worked and the motorsport community in which he lived.
Funeral details will be advised in due course.
The Miles family asks for privacy in this time, and thanks those who have already reached out in support since Tim’s passing.
Auto Action sends its thoughts and condolences to Miles’ family and friends.
Main image: Supplied
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