Mark’s statement about Sir Jack Brabham
I was saddened to hear the news of Jack’s passing today – he is the epitome of a champion racing driver and a true blue Aussie. He was a trailblazer; he took the hardest road and made it easier for the rest of us to follow. When I think of Jack, I think of a tenacious individual; an absolute grafter; he did it his own way and made it stick. There were no real rules or a manual for Jack; he figured it for himself. What he achieved taking on the best in the world and winning one of his three world titles in his own machinery is the stuff of pure legends.
On a personal note, Jack was simply the biggest name in the Webber household. He was inspirational. My dad followed his career from when he raced in Australia and then did his best to keep track of Jack’s progress when he moved overseas to take on the best in the world.
I was very fortunate that I was introduced to Jack before I left Australia and to be in his presence as a 17 or 18-year old as I must have been at the time, just blew me away. He provided me with endless support and advice over the years and became a close confidante – even right up until the last couple of years when, after hearing the rumours that I might move to Ferrari, he told me he would be very disappointed if I went there because for him, it was the absolute betrayal because they were his motivation – the ones he wanted to beat in his day!
Jack and Margaret were always generous with their time and I’m proud that, although I was unable to repay that support by joining him and Alan Jones as world champions, I gave him some very happy moments by winning some of the more prestigious special Grands Prix.
To Margaret, Geoff, Gary and David and their respective families, you are very much in our thoughts at this sad time. Jack was a legend in the truest sense of the word, an inspirational Aussie battler and someone who will never be forgotten.
ends//
42 Comments
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Jeff Dahn
on May 19, 2014Very well put, Mark. We’ve certainly lost one of the great ones.
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Jacqui Larkin
on May 19, 2014Very graciously said Mark… RIP Sir Jack – a true Australian Legend!
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Craig
on May 19, 2014Spot on mark. A true Aussie legend. Will be missed by everyone
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Phil
on May 19, 2014Mark, well said! An absolute champion!
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Anne Lambert
on May 19, 2014Beautifully written and with the utmost respect to a true gentleman. Takes one to know one thats what I reckon.
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Andrew Voke
on May 19, 2014Beautifully said Mark. “Sir” Jack pretty much sums it up. Like you, I’m sure their are many Aussie Motorsport athletes who have taken inspiration from Sir Jack.
I know I will share my memories of your career with my kids, just like your dad shared Sir Jacks with you. Not just your achievements but the way you’ve handled yourself throughout your career. Your statement here is a testament to Australian Motorsport and the people within it.
Long live Sir Jack, long live ordinary Aussies doing extraordinary things.
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Jill and Brian
on May 19, 2014Very beautiful and emotional words Mark straight from the heart. Sir Jack will be very sadly missed, he is and always will be a true Aussie legend RIP Sir Jack. You always looked up to him and he was so, so proud of you. Your next race Mark, Le Mans – go and win it for Sir Jack, go champ DO IT FOR HIM – take care.
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graham white
on May 19, 2014Lovely words for a true pioneer, he will always be remembered not just to what he achieved but for the true gent he was. RIP great man
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Matt Bomer
on May 19, 2014Very well said Mark, today we lost a truly inspirational Aussie icon and a true champion, you mention your regret of not repaying him with a championship, but for what its worth you did more than that, you kept fighting even when times where tough and you showed true Sir Jack spirit and became a champion, the people champion!
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rob
on May 19, 2014Well said Mark. An absolute gentleman and deserving of legend. The Sir Jack Brabham Trophy I think should be awarded to the best Australian driver in all forms of Motorsport whether it’s here or overseas. Australian motorsports version of the brownlow.
The repco brabham story.. .. on YouTube should be a must watch mate. A bit of 1965 Tasman series nostalgia. Hill, brabham,lex Davison, frank gardener, Jim Clark…. Have a look.
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Howard James
on May 19, 2014Along withDonald Campbell,he was the man I looked up to as a small boy. As a man, I watched in awe at your courage and strength as you stood on the podium next to the German – and didn’t deck him! Don’t underestimate the impact of that on the next genreatio who look up to you.
RIP Sir Jack. -
Chris Johnson
on May 19, 2014Well said Mark. I wasn’t lucky enough to see him race…but lucky enough to see him drive around the Adelaide Grand Prix track and Classic Adelaide. A very humble man…and absolutely legend!
And I think you have honored Sir Jacks support well with your accomplishments on and off track. -
Heather Pugh
on May 19, 2014Mark. Your words about Jack were so perfect. He was an inspiration to all and as I said on Facebook, he will be missed by so, so many but he will never be forgotten..
He would have been so proud of you as my entire family is.
Heather Pugh -
allan sayers
on May 19, 2014thanks Mark. from my early years reading my dads motorsport Brabham was a man to admire and you sum up the essence of him beautifully.
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JackieB
on May 19, 2014You have a great way with words. Long live his memory. What a great man he was and achieved so much! Such a gentleman.
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John Benson
on May 19, 2014Wonderful words Mark. The end of one of the most glorious chapters in Australian motor sport closed today. Jack may be gone but his Legacy lives on in, not only his terrific racing family of sons Geoff, David and Gary and grandsons who are creating their own racing paths and building their careers in this beloved sport around the world. Mark, I have no doubt that Jack would have been immensely of you and your efforts having left our shores with a dream to reach the pinnacle of your sport, which you managed to achieve from not too different beginnings as Jack Brabham. So wonderful for you that you will be mentioned in the same company as this great Australian motor racer. Push on with those wonderful Porsches Mark…Jack will be overseeing your pathway forward. Cheers Beno
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Nick Moran. Yamba NSW.
on May 19, 2014Thank you for sharing your words with us Mark. This great man, Sir Jack, not only influenced and mentored you directly, he influenced and mentored millions across the Globe indirectly.
Regards.
Nick Moran. -
Maurice
on May 19, 2014If your name can become a brand, you are remarkable on it self. But unfortunately there is a final finishline for us all. Rest in peace Sir Brabham. You will be missed.
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Aïs
on May 19, 2014Good memories, Webber.
Yes, he never will be forgotten, he will live in the hearts.
RIP Sir Brabham. -
Les Briggs
on May 19, 2014One word says it all “Legend”
Beautifully written Mark!
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John
on May 19, 2014Thank you Mark. Your tribute to Jack and your thoughts reflect and honour a truly heroic person and gentleman.
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Enri
on May 19, 2014He was very Australian, the kind of countryside mate who is very able when young and that turns old around the 50’s of his life .
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Dominic Walton
on May 19, 2014A fitting and beautiful tribute. The comments on here show how much Jack Brabham was revered and respected, so glad to see he influenced you as he did, Mark.
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Brandi
on May 19, 2014Beautiful words Mark!!! Truly a legend in all our hearts. R.I.P. Sir Jack. Until we all meet again in that big Grand Prix in the sky!!!
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bash
on May 19, 2014Mark,
great words, thoughts & prayers.
As a fellow Aussie living overseas & away from family it is hard when things like this happen to our best ambassadors.
It is not he that blazes the trail but the sprit in which he does & the test is for those of us who follow.
Everyone be safe,
Bash -
Bryan Simpson
on May 19, 2014What lovely words.
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Adrian
on May 19, 2014Yes Mark the end of a significant and proud era in Australian Motor Sport , your thoughts and feeling were portrayed beautifully , well said .
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andy the tyke
on May 19, 2014mark such nice words
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bruce
on May 19, 2014well spoken Mark, a great driver gone but not forgotten
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Alan Wegener
on May 20, 2014Well said Mark. I was also a great follower of Sir Jack and he was an abso;ute legend.
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Mark
on May 20, 2014Well said Mark. RIP Jack. World motorsport is all the poorer for your departure.
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Joffa
on May 20, 2014A great read to help remember and celebrate a true champion. Lots of great messages in there about the man.
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Gai
on May 20, 2014Mark, Jack was a true champions and so are you. You have both inspired millions of young future champions to have a go and never give up on their dreams.
Being is world champion is more than a trophy. Over the past couple of years I have seen someone who might drive well enough to win get the trophy however, I have more respect for you. Respect lasts a life time as Jack showed us.
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Carol Tutchener
on May 21, 2014Thank you Mark for sharing your heartfelt tribute to a wonderful man. Sir Jack was an inspiration to many, just as you are. Just as he was respected, you are respected for the way you handled yourself in difficult circumstances. You may not have achieved the F1 World Championship Mark, but you are certainly a great driver, a world champion gentleman and an all around good honest bloke. You won the most prestigious races in F1. Sir Jack would have got so much pleasure from your successes and would have been so proud of you, as we all are. No doubt he will be cheering you on at Le Mans Mark, along with all of us. Good luck!
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Paul Bennett
on May 23, 2014Thank you Mark for sharing your wonderful insight into an Aussie icon. Your personal reflect teaches us all “it’s not only what you say, but how you say it that counts”. Very thoughtful and true blue at the same time.
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Trent
on May 23, 2014Tear in my eye. Beautifully written…
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lee
on May 25, 2014Nice words MW! RIP Sir Jack
Hopefully Dan can get a win for him -
Shelley Markham
on June 10, 2014Written with respect for an extraordinary individual. Despite being born in a different era, Sir Jack was and will remain my all-time favourite F1 driver. He was one out of the box. A gentleman from a by-gone era.
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