Brocky celebrated at Holden’s last Great Race

AS WE prepare to watch the Holden Lion’s last Great Race this weekend, celebrations on- and off-track will commemorate Peter Brock’s first win, some 50 years ago, as well as celebrating Craig Lowndes’ 300^th Supercar start.

The news, sad for so many die-hard Holden fans Down Under, comes as teams move to the new Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the 2023 Supercars season.

“Bathurst is one of the most iconic races in the world and we want to appropriately recognise this historic end of an era for Holden in racing,” said Chevrolet Racing general manager, Chris Payne.

“Sunday will be emotional for a lot of Holden fans, including ex-Holden & race team employees and ex-Dealer staff, the final time a Holden races in a Supercars event at Bathurst.

“It would be an outstanding way to farewell Holden from the Mountain if one of the Commodore drivers can add to the brand’s 35 race wins at the circuit.”

Off-track, punters will be able to take a walk down memory lane at the Peter Brock Tribute display in the Harris Park precinct, with many of his iconic race-winning cars on show.

“When you think of Bathurst, it’s difficult not to think of Peter – the King of the Mountain,” said Mr Payne.

“He was an incredible driver who achieved an unrivalled nine wins here for Holden, an achievement I don’t ever think will be bettered.

“Peter’s first win here for Holden was in 1972, so 50 years on it’s just a wonderful tribute to him that Supercars have created a Peter Brock Tribute display at Bathurst, so the fans can come into the Harris Park precinct and enjoy seeing some of his cars again and just remember the great moments and memories he gave to us all,” he added.

Between 1972 and 1987, ‘Brocky’ truly was King of the Mountain, winning the Bathurst 1000 a record nine times and always behind the wheel of a Holden.

The first win came in his revered HDT prepared LJ Torana GTR XU-1, a car that spawned a generation of Torana-heads and countless road- and track-going race replicas.

One of Brock’s greatest television moments, a man as charismatic in front of a camera as he was talented behind the wheel, was his ‘talk-through’ lap of Mount Panorama at 10-tenths in 1986, aboard his HDT VK Commodore.

“Oops, nearly squashed him there,” Brock proclaimed as he passed a slower Toyota at the beginning of the clip.

“Alright, I’ll talk you around the track here,” Brock then said, proceeding to offer a glistening account of how he’s able to wrangle a car over the mountain quicker than any other. 

His ability to talk to commentators mid-race, calm as a cucumber, while pushing his car harder than anyone could believe, was just one of his legendary traits.

GM ANZ, alongside Australia Post and the Brock family, has also released a limited-edition range of stamps to commemorate Australia’s greatest wheelman.

The stamp range, dubbed ‘Peter Brock – King of the Mountain’, showcases five of the legend’s famous Bathurst victories and is available at Australia Post stores around the country.

Craig Lowndes also celebrates what will be his 300^th Supercar race – a record in the sport – behind the wheel of a Holden as many of his early fans will see fitting.

“I’ve enjoyed an incredibly memorable career and am humbled to be here for my 300^th round start,” said seven times Bathurst winner, Craig Lowndes.

“I have a strong affinity with the Mountain and would like nothing more than to add to the wins I have savoured here.

“It’s a long race, one in which anything can happen - and it usually does - but to be in the running come Sunday would be hugely satisfying.” Mr Lowndes added.

For lifelong Holden fans, a win would be the perfect exit for the departed manufacturer, which should mean strong viewership on race day.