This has indeed been a sad week for all Australians, and even more so for those who follow motor sport.
The man who was perhaps Australia’s best known “wildlife warrior” was ripped away from his family in incredible circumstances on Monday morning, September 4. Death from sting ray barbs are extremely rare. Trust Steve to find a way to die that is so incredibly newsworthy. This is not meant to be disrespectful to Steve, rather it simply demonstrates Steve’s uncanny knack of being able to focus people on Australian wildlife, or indeed any wildlife, and just how dangerous it can be.
Still reeling from the shock news of Steve Irwin’s untimely demise, Australians were stunned on Friday afternoon, 8 September, as we lost another Australian icon in circumstances just as untimely. Peter Brock’s death at the Targa West rally on Friday has shocked Australian motor sport fans, no matter what camp they support. Known as “Brocky”, or “Peter Perfect”, to all his fans and detractors, he was an icon in the sport – a true legend. His racing career spanned more than 30 years, both on the local circuits and internationally. Locally, he was a hero, and perhaps demi-god, to the legions of Holden fans. Perhaps an even more telling measure of his skills and popularity amongst the motor racing fraternity is the grudging respect that even the most ardent of Ford fans gave to him. Let’s face it, it’s pretty hard to say the guy was a “nothing” driver given his record of achievements in the sport.
On behalf of my own family, I proffer our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Irwin and Brock families. Take solace in the knowledge that your loved ones died in the process of doing things they loved, and rejoice in the positive influence they had on so many people around the world.
Vale Steve Irwin R.I.P.
Vale Peter Brock R.I.P.