2LT Local News

BATHURST, Central West, NSW, Australia – The Supercars Championship will pay tribute to motor racing legend Bob Jane at next weekend’s Bathurst 1000.

Jane, who was born at the start of The Great Depression in 1929, died on Friday after battling prostate cancer. He was 88.

The Armstrong 500 moved from Phillip Island to Bathurst in 1963 and so began the event now known as the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. The first Armstrong 500 was won by Bob Jane and Harry Firth in a Cortina GT which cost less than $3,000. No power steering, no power breaks. Just “brute force,” as Jane once described it.

Next Saturday will mark the 55th anniversary of that trailblazing victory.

Bob Jane won four Australian Touring Car Championships and was a four-time winner of the Bathurst 1000.

“Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and many friends at this time,” Supercars CEO Sean Samer said Sunday.

“Bob was one of the greatest race car drivers the Australian Touring Car Championship has seen.”

“Driving in one of Australian motorsport’s greatest eras, his accomplishments on and off the track will long be remembered,” Samer said.

“Few will ever win four championships and Bathurst crowns, let alone four [Great Race] titles in a row, the first two of those coming when the Great Race was first held at Phillip Island.”

“As the very first winner at Bathurst in 1963, he went on to become a familiar and long-time partner of the Great Race through the Bob Jane T-Marts brand,” said the Supercars CEO..

“We will ensure we pay our respects to the Supercars Hall of Famer and his family at Mount Panorama next weekend.”