Gambit Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jack Brabham has died aged 88. The Aussie racing legend made history in 1966 by becoming the only person to have won the championship in a car he designed himself. A former Royal Australian Air Force mechanic, he began racing on dirt tracks before moving to Britain. 'Black Jack' joined Cooper and went on to win the 1959 and 1960 world titles. His finest hour came after teaming up with friend Ron Tauranac to design and engineer his own Brabham racing cars. In 1998 he spoke out about battling kidney failure - describing it as the "hardest drive of my life" - and revealed he was spending 15 hours a week on dialysis. Brabham was the oldest surviving F1 champion and leaves behind his second wife, Lady Margaret, and three sons to his first wife Betty. Geoff, Gary and David Brabham all followed in their father's footsteps and enjoyed success in motorsport. His grandson Sam is competing in the Formula Ford championship in Britain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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