Australia has some of the best auto racing players in the world. With a long history of producing legendary drivers, it is no surprise that the country has some of the most successful and talented drivers in the sport.
From the iconic Peter Brock to the current crop of championship winners, Australia has produced many of the world’s greatest racers. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best auto racing players in Australia today.
From Formula 1 stars to rally champions, these drivers have had an incredible impact on the sport and are some of the best in the business.
1. Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Joseph Ricciardo AM is an accomplished racing driver with dual nationality – Australian and Italian.
He is currently driving for Scuderia AlphaTauri in the Formula One championship and is racing under the Australian flag. Throughout his career, Ricciardo has been very successful in Formula One, having achieved 8 Grand Prix victories and 32 podiums.
He has been consistently in the top 10 in the Drivers’ Championship since 2015 and has been a regular podium finisher since then.
His best season was in 2018 when he finished in third place overall. Ricciardo is widely respected in the world of motor racing and is well known for his aggressive, yet controlled driving style.
He is also known for his cheerful, laid back attitude and his willingness to get involved in the sport, both on and off the track.
His popularity has led to him becoming an ambassador for various brands, including Red Bull and Rolex. Ricciardo is considered one of the best drivers in the world and is set to continue to have a successful career in Formula One.
His skill, determination, and commitment to the sport has made him one of the most respected drivers in the world, and his future in the sport looks bright.
2. Mark Webber
Mark Alan Webber is an Australian professional racing driver who enjoyed an illustrious career in both Formula One and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Throughout his time in Formula One, Webber competed from 2002 – 2013, amassing nine wins and a total of 42 podium finishes in 215 races. After leaving Formula One, Webber then ventured into the FIA World Endurance Championship.
This saw him become the champion in 2015, in a Porsche with German Timo Bernhard and New Zealander Brendon Hartley. Webber’s success at the championship earned him an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) award in 2016.
In total, he competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2014 – 2016, before retiring from professional racing. Webber’s racing career was undoubtedly a successful one and his efforts in both Formula One and the FIA World Endurance Championship will be remembered for years to come.
3. Craig Lowndes
Craig Andrew Lowndes OAM is an Australian former racing car driver who made a name for himself in the Repco Supercars Championship. During his career he raced for Triple Eight Race Engineering, one of the most successful teams in the Supercars Championship.
Lowndes is now retired from racing car driving and is a TV commentator, providing expert analysis and insight into races and the sport as a whole. Lowndes began his career in 1994 and quickly became a household name as he notched up multiple championship wins and race victories.
He was a regular on the podium and was a fan favorite for his skill behind the wheel. He won the championship three times over the course of his career and finished second on the points table several times.
He also won the Bathurst 1000 a record seven times, making him one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport. Lowndes retired from racing car driving in 2018, after a long and successful career in the sport.
He now provides commentary on the sport, offering viewers a unique insight into the sport and the drivers involved.
He is a respected figure in the sport and is often seen on the podium, celebrating the successes of other drivers. Lowndes has been honoured for his contributions to the sport and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2017.
He is a true legend of the sport and will be remembered as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Australian motorsport.
4. Oscar Piastri
Oscar Jack Piastri is an Australian racing driver who has achieved considerable success in the international racing circuit.
He is currently competing in Formula One for McLaren, a team which is one of the most successful in the history of the sport. Piastri has had a stellar career in junior formula racing. In 2019, he won the Formula Renault Eurocup with R-ace GP.
He followed this up with a win in the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing and then went on to win the 2021 Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing as well.
These successes show the level of talent and commitment he has to the sport. Piastri’s success in junior formula racing is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His ability to win championships in different categories is a testament to his talent.
His success in Formula One will surely be the next step in his career, and he has the potential to become one of the sport’s top drivers. It will be exciting to see what he can do in Formula One and how he will fare in the future.
5. Calan Williams
Calan Williams is an up-and-coming Australian racing driver who has had success in a variety of racing series. He is currently competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with BMW M Team WRT.
Prior to this, he competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident, and before that, he raced for Jenzer Motorsport in the FIA Formula 3 Championship during 2020 and 2021.
During these races, he has demonstrated his skills as a driver and his ability to get the most out of any car he is in. His success in these series has seen him rise to the top of the racing world and he is now competing at the highest level.
With his determination and drive, he is sure to make a name for himself in the racing world.
6. Will Power
William Steven Power is an extremely accomplished racing driver from Australia. He is currently competing in the IndyCar Series, driving the No. 12 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske.
His success in this series is remarkable, as he has won the Indianapolis 500 in 2018 and the IndyCar Championship twice, in 2014 and 2022. This is an impressive feat, as the IndyCar Series is one of the most competitive championships in the world.
Power has achieved impressive success in the sport, and is certainly one of the most talented drivers in the series. He is a worthy champion and has certainly made the most of his time in the series.
7. Brendon Cook
Brendon John Cook is a former race car driver who was well known for his fierce competitive spirit and racing prowess. He had a successful career racing in Australia and also earned a few notable results in Europe.
Cook was born in Australia and began racing karts when he was just a young boy. He quickly progressed up the ranks and in the 1990s he began to make a name for himself in open wheel racing.
He raced in many of the top Australian series including the V8 Supercars, Australian Production Car Championship, and the Australian Formula 3 Championship. Cook had success in each of these series and by the mid 2000s he had become one of the top drivers in the country.
This led to him getting an opportunity to race in Europe, where he competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0.
Although he was not as successful as he had been in Australia, he still had some impressive results including a podium finish at the Nurburgring. After several years racing in Europe, Cook returned to Australia and retired from the sport in 2011.
He remains a respected figure in the Australian racing community and his legacy lives on through the many drivers he has inspired.
8. Jack Brabham
Sir John Arthur Brabham AO OBE was an Australian racing driver who made a name for himself in the world of motorsport. He was a three-time Formula One World Champion, winning in 1959, 1960 and 1966.
He was also a founder of the legendary Brabham racing team and car constructor that still bears his name. Sir John Brabham began his career in the early 1950s, competing in local Australian racing events. In 1955, he made his Formula One debut in the Italian Grand Prix.
From there, he quickly rose to prominence and established himself as one of the best drivers of the era.
His accomplishments in Formula One included podium finishes in 15 different races and an impressive three World Championship titles. In addition to his success in Formula One, Brabham also had an impact off the track.
He founded the Brabham racing team in 1962, which would go on to become one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.
He also designed and built his own race cars, which were very successful and even won the Formula One World Championship in 1966. Sir John Brabham’s legacy lives on to this day.
His name is synonymous with the highest level of motorsport, and many of his innovations are still used in modern Formula One cars. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and his contribution to the sport will never be forgotten.
9. Alan Jones
Alan Stanley Jones, MBE is an Australian racing legend. He achieved greatness in the world of Formula One racing, becoming the first driver to win the Formula One World Championship as a member of the Williams team.
This accomplishment made him the second Australian to win the Championship, following triple World Champion Sir Jack Brabham. Jones began his racing career in 1965 and competed in numerous classes of motor racing including Formula Ford, Formula 3, Formula 5000 and Formula 2.
After he gained experience in Europe, he joined the Formula One circuit in 1975. He competed for multiple teams, such as Surtees, Shadow, and Williams.
During his career, he won 12 races and achieved 24 podiums. Jones was the first driver to win a Formula One World Championship with the Williams team, leading the team to the title in 1980.
He was the second Australian to win the World Championship, following triple World Champion Sir Jack Brabham.
His success was rewarded with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from the Queen in 1981. Since his retirement from racing in 1986, Jones has gone on to become a successful commentator and television presenter in Australia.
He is also a talented author, having written his autobiography, ‘As I See It’, in 1987. Alan Stanley Jones is an Australian racing hero who has achieved greatness with his Formula One success.
He will always be remembered as the first driver to win a Formula One World Championship with the Williams team and the second Australian to do so, after Sir Jack Brabham.
10. Tim Schenken
Timothy Theodore Schenken OAM is a former racing driver from Sydney, Australia. He was active in the racing world from 1970 to 1974, and during his time as a professional driver he participated in 36 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix.
Schenken made his debut in the Grand Prix on 16 August 1970. During his four-year racing career, Schenken achieved a single podium finish at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix.
He earned a total of seven points in the Formula One World Championship from this race and from other Grand Prix events. Schenken also had an impressive career outside of Formula One.
He was a three-time Australian Sports Sedan champion and was awarded with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000 for his services to motor racing. He was inducted into the Australian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Today, Schenken is a respected member of the racing community and is well-known for his contributions to the sport. He continues to be involved in motor racing and is a regular at various events in Australia.
11. Vern Schuppan
Vernon John Schuppan is a retired Australian motor racing driver who has accomplished great successes in a variety of racing classes. He has competed in Formula One, the Indianapolis 500, and most notably in sports car racing.
Schuppan has earned many accolades for his achievements, including being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Schuppan’s Formula One career began in 1973 when he competed in the European Grand Prix.
Although he was unable to secure any points in that race, he was able to race in the French Grand Prix the following year. His best F1 finish was tenth place, which he achieved in the 1975 Swedish Grand Prix. At the Indianapolis 500, Schuppan had two successful races.
In 1975, he finished twelfth, and in 1983 he finished eighth. He also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he was part of the victorious Rothman’s Porsche team in 1981. In sports car racing, Schuppan’s success was unparalleled.
He won the 1983 All Japan Sports Prototype Championship and the 1983 World Endurance Championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983.
He was also part of the winning team at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1983, and at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1985. These achievements earned Schuppan the recognition he deserved, and he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984.
His success in motor racing makes him a true Australian champion, and a great role model for aspiring drivers.
12. Frank Gardner
Frank Gardner OAM was an Australian racing driver who was born in Sydney. He was highly successful in both touring car and sports car racing, having achieved three British Saloon Car Championships in his career.
Additionally, Gardner was also a top-level open wheeler driver, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of Australian motorsport. Gardner’s career in touring car racing saw him winning the British Saloon Car Championship three times, which is one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
His success in this area was not restricted to the British Saloon Car Championship, as he also won other important touring car races, including the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours.In addition to his successes in touring car racing, Gardner was also successful in sports car racing.
He won numerous important races in this discipline, including the Spa 24 Hours and the Nurburgring 1000km.
He was also a regular competitor in the World Endurance Championship. Gardner was also a top-flight open-wheeler driver, competing in such categories as Formula 5000, Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1.
In Formula 3, he was the runner-up in the European championship in 1971, and he also achieved notable results in Formula 5000 and Formula 2.
He made one start in Formula 1, at the 1975 British Grand Prix, but he failed to finish the race. Throughout his career, Gardner achieved many successes in motorsport and was highly regarded by his peers.
He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006, in recognition of his achievements in motorsport. He passed away in 2014, but his legacy lives on as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Australian motorsport.
13. Peter Brock
Peter Geoffrey Brock AM was a renowned Australian racing driver, widely known by the nicknames “Peter Perfect”, “The King of the Mountain”, or simply “Brocky”. He was an iconic figure in the motor racing world and was associated with the Holden brand for almost 40 years.
Throughout his impressive career, Brock raced a variety of vehicles produced by different manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Volvo, Porsche and Peugeot.Brock was an incredibly successful driver, having won nine Bathurst 1000 races in his lifetime, earning him the title of ‘King of the Mountain’.
He was also a three-time winner of the Australian Touring Car Championship and won the Sandown 500 an impressive four times.
His success was such that he even has a museum dedicated to him, which houses some of the vehicles he raced throughout his career.Brock was a highly respected figure in the motor racing world, both for his formidable driving skills and charisma.
He was seen as an inspiration for many young drivers, and his legacy continues to live on today. His skill and dedication to the sport will always be remembered, and his influence will be felt in the racing world for many years to come.
14. Mark Skaife
Mark Skaife OAM is an esteemed Australian motor racing driver who has had a long and successful career. He is a five-time champion of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, which is the main championship series of the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC).
This makes him the most successful driver in the history of the series. Additionally, he has won the Bathurst 1000 six times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the history of motorsports in Australia.
Skaife’s career began in the late 1980s when he drove in the ATCC. He quickly established himself as one of the top drivers in the series, winning two championships in 1991 and 1992.
In 1997, the championship series was rebranded as the V8 Supercars Championship Series, and Skaife went on to win three more championships in 1999, 2002 and 2004. Throughout his career, Skaife has also enjoyed success at the iconic Bathurst 1000 race.
He has won the race six times, with his first win coming in 1993 and his last win in 2011. His success at Bathurst has made him the most successful driver in the history of the race, and he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Australian motorsports.
In recognition of his achievements, Skaife was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004. This is the highest honor that can be awarded to an Australian citizen, and it is a testament to Skaife’s greatness and the impact he has had on the sport.
Mark Skaife OAM is one of the greatest drivers in the history of Australian motorsports, and his record is one that will be remembered for years to come.
He is a five-time champion of the V8 Supercar Championship Series and a six-time winner of the Bathurst 1000, and he has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his accomplishments.
He is truly a legend of the sport, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
15. Frank Matich
Frank Matich was a renowned Australian racing car driver, active in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a highly successful competitor, having achieved great success in motor racing.
To further his career, Matich decided to build his own range of sports cars and open wheel cars, known as the Matich brand. These cars proved to be very successful, not only for Matich himself but also for other drivers who were able to use them.
Matich’s cars were well-known for their efficient engineering and competitive performance, making them a popular choice for drivers looking for a reliable vehicle. Furthermore, the cars were easy to customize and maintain, allowing drivers to get the most out of them.
Matich’s cars were so successful that many drivers from different countries across the globe decided to race with them. This legacy of success continues today, with many drivers still opting to use Matich cars in various motorsport events.
16. David Brabham
David Philip Brabham is an Australian professional racing driver who has achieved tremendous success in the world of sports car racing.
He has won three international Sports Car series and is one of only four Australians to have won the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hour sports car race.
Brabham’s impressive career in racing has earned him the honour of being the only Australian to win the Le Mans 24 Hour race, which he achieved in 2009.
His success in the sport has been acknowledged throughout the sports car racing community, with Brabham being considered one of the most respected and experienced specialists in the sport.
Brabham’s racing career has spanned three decades and his impressive track record includes numerous championship titles, podium finishes and race wins. He has also been a key member of some of the most successful racing teams in the world, including Porsche and Audi.
Brabham’s success has been attributed to his ability to consistently deliver top performance on the track, combined with his technical know-how and experience.
His passion for the sport has been an inspiration to many aspiring racers and his commitment to excellence has been an example for all to follow.
17. David Walker
David Walker was an Australian racing driver who had a successful career in international motorsport. He is best known for driving for Lotus in the 1971 and 1972 Formula One World Championships, where he had some impressive results.
He first competed in Formula One in 1970, driving for BRM. He then moved to Lotus the following year, where he achieved his first podium finish at the 1971 Italian Grand Prix and his best result of fifth place at the United States Grand Prix in 1972.
He left Formula One at the end of the 1972 season and went on to have success in the Tasman Series and other international championships. He was known for his skill and consistency and was a popular driver amongst his peers.
He retired from racing in 1975 and later became a motorsport commentator and journalist.
18. Larry Perkins
Larry Clifton Perkins AM is a renowned figure in the racing world. He is a former racing driver and team owner from Australia.
He earned his AM (Member of the Order of Australia) in 2010 for his services to the Australian motor sport industry. Perkins began his racing career in the early 1970s, competing in a range of events including the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Australian Formula 2 Championship.
He achieved success in the early 1980s, winning the 1985 Bathurst 1000 in his own-built Holden Commodore VK, and later the 1992 Bathurst 1000 in a Holden VP Commodore.After retiring from driving, Perkins established the Perkins Engineering team in 1989 and went on to become a major player in Australian motor sport.
The team won two Bathurst 1000 races and three drivers championships in the 1990s.
Perkins Engineering also won the 1996 and 1997 Australian Touring Car Championship titles before the team closed in 2003. Perkins is also the owner of the V8 Supercar team, Perkins Motorsport, which he established in 2004.
The team has since achieved success in the Supercars Championship, winning the championship in 2009 and 2014. Through his achievements as a racing driver and team owner, Larry Clifton Perkins AM has become a highly respected figure in the Australian motor sport industry.
His dedication to the sport has been recognised through his award of the AM and his team’s various successes.
19. John Bowe
John Bowe is an Australian racing driver with a distinguished career in motorsport. He is well known for his success in the Australian Touring Car Championship, which he won a total of two times.
He has also competed in the V8 Supercars Championship and endurance racing, where he won the Bathurst 1000 a total of two times.In recent years, John Bowe has moved away from the top level of motorsport and is now competing in the Touring Car Masters series.
He is currently driving a Holden Torana, a classic Australian muscle car which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. John Bowe is a highly successful driver in the series, having won multiple championships and races.
He is also highly respected amongst his peers and the fans of the series.
20. David Reynolds
David Reynolds is an Australian professional racing driver who competes in the Repco Supercars Championship. He drives for the Grove Racing team, racing the No. 26 Ford Mustang.
In 2017, he achieved a major career milestone when he won the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 with co-driver Luke Youlden.In 2021, Reynolds formed a new company called cartopia.com.au with fellow Supercars driver Will Brown.
The company is dedicated to bringing an innovative approach to the racing industry by offering a variety of services such as car setup and driver coaching. It also offers a range of merchandise and experiences to its customers.
The company is committed to providing a unique and enjoyable experience to its customers, as well as providing support and advice to drivers and teams.
Reynolds and Brown are dedicated to providing a platform for drivers to achieve their dreams and have a successful career in motorsport.
Cartopia.com.au is striving to be a leader in the industry, and Reynolds and Brown are passionate about making the world of racing a better place.
With their combined experience and knowledge, they hope to help the drivers of the future achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world of motorsport.
21. Leo Geoghegan
Leo Geoghegan was an accomplished racing driver from Australia. His father, Tom Geoghegan, was a car dealer in New South Wales and his two sons, Leo and his brother, were both well-known names in Australian motor racing in the 1960s.
Leo was the elder of the two and was a successful driver in his own right, competing in many different disciplines such as touring car and sports car racing. He was especially successful in the Australian Touring Car Championship, where he won the championship in 1965 and 1967.
He also had success in other series, including the South Pacific Touring Car Championship, where he won the title in 1966 and 1970. Leo’s brother, Barry, was also a successful driver, competing in a variety of series throughout the 1960s.
Together, the brothers dominated Australian motor racing in the decade, winning multiple championships and setting many records. Leo and Barry Geoghegan were both inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 2009, in recognition of their contribution to the sport.
22. Brodie Kostecki
Brodie “Bush” Kostecki is an Australian professional racing driver that has established a successful career in both the Repco Supercars Championship and the NASCAR Cup Series. In the Repco Supercars Championship, Kostecki drives the No.
99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Erebus Motorsport. His reputation has earned him a part-time seat in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drives the No.
33 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing. Kostecki’s career in the Repco Supercars Championship is one of success and stability. He has consistently earned podium finishes and has become one of the most successful drivers in the series.
His success has earned him a seat in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he has achieved great success, finishing in the top 10 in several races. Kostecki is one of the few drivers to have competed in both the Repco Supercars Championship and the NASCAR Cup Series.
This has been a major boost to his profile and has cemented his place as one of the most successful racing drivers in the world. He has earned the respect of his peers and fans alike and is well-known for his skill and determination.
23. Will Davison
William Davison is an Australian professional racing driver who competes in the Repco Supercars Championship. He races for the Dick Johnson Racing team, behind the wheel of the No.17 Ford Mustang GT.
Davison has had an illustrious career in motorsport, highlighted by two victories at the iconic Bathurst 1000. He first won the race in 2009, and then again in 2016, making him a two-time champion of the event.
Davison is highly regarded by his peers and is viewed as one of the most consistent and reliable drivers on the Supercars circuit. His skill and experience have made him a formidable competitor, and his continued success is testament to his talent and dedication
24. Chaz Mostert
Chaz Mostert is an Australian professional racing driver who competes in the Repco Supercars Championship. He is currently driving the No. 25 Ford Mustang GT for Walkinshaw Andretti United, a team that competes in the series.
Mostert is a highly skilled and experienced driver, having won the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in 2014 and the Supercars Championship in 2015. He has also won multiple other races and events in the Supercars Championship and is considered one of the top drivers in the series.
Mostert is an incredibly talented and driven driver who is constantly pushing himself to be the best he can be. He is an inspiration to other drivers in the sport and is respected by his peers for his dedication and skill.
25. Paul Dumbrell
Paul Dumbrell is a prominent figure in the Australian business and racing industry. He is a business executive who has had a successful career in the corporate world, and he is also a retired racing driver.
Dumbrell began his career in motor racing by competing in the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 2000. He went on to compete in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series from 2002 to 2018, becoming one of the most successful drivers in the series.
During his racing career, he won two championship titles and was runner-up twice. Dumbrell also had a successful business career. He founded Paul Dumbrell Racing Pty Ltd in 2000 and was the CEO and Managing Director until his retirement in 2018.
He was also a board member of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation from 2004 to 2016.
This gave him a great insight into the world of motor racing and allowed him to play an integral role in the development of the sport in Australia. Paul Dumbrell is an example of a successful business executive and a successful racing driver.
He was able to combine his passion for racing with his business acumen, allowing him to excel in both fields. He is now retired from both racing and business but his legacy lives on in the Australian motor racing and business community.
26. Russell Ingall
Russell Ingall is a legendary Australian V8 Supercar driver, who has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He is most notably known for winning the V8 Supercars Championship in 2005, as well as finishing second in four other seasons.
Ingall has also won the prestigious Bathurst 1000 twice in 1995 and 1997. His aggressive and hard-driving style earned him the nickname “Enforcer”, which has become synonymous with his name.
He began his career in 1985, and since then he has been a consistent competitor in the V8 Supercar Championship Series. He has achieved multiple wins in the series, but his greatest success was when he won the title in 2005.
He is the second most successful driver in the history of the series, behind only Mark Skaife. Ingall has also enjoyed success outside of the V8 Supercar Championship Series. He has won the Bathurst 1000 twice, in 1995 and 1997, and also won the Bathurst 24 Hour Race in 2003.
His success at these events has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest drivers in Australian motorsport history. In addition to his racing career, Ingall is also an outspoken advocate for motorsport safety.
He has spoken out against dangerous driving and has encouraged drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the track. His dedication to safety has been widely acknowledged, and he has received multiple awards for his commitment to the sport.
Russell Ingall is a true motorsport legend, and his achievements will not be forgotten any time soon.
His success in the V8 Supercar Championship Series, as well as his victories at the Bathurst 1000 and 24 Hour Race, have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest drivers in Australian motorsport history.
His hard-driving style and commitment to safety have earned him the nickname “Enforcer”, which will be remembered for years to come.
27. Allan Grice
Allan Maxwell Grice, better known as “Gricey” to motor racing fans, is a well-known Australian former racing driver and politician.
He is most renowned for winning the acclaimed Bathurst 1000 two times and for driving a Holden privately in the Australian Touring Car Championship. Grice received his education from The Armidale School located in northern New South Wales.
Grice began his motor racing career in the mid-1960s. He competed in a variety of categories, including the Australian Touring Car Championship, which he first entered in 1967. He achieved his first major success when he won the Bathurst 1000 in 1969.
Two years later, he was back again at the top of the podium, having won the Bathurst 1000 for a second time. In addition to his racing career, Grice also became involved in politics. He served in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1973 to 1984.
During that time, he held a variety of portfolios, including Minister for Transport and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Overall, Allan Maxwell Grice is a highly respected figure in Australian motor racing and politics.
He is remembered for his successes on the track, and for his contributions to the Parliament of New South Wales. His education from The Armidale School in New South Wales is also a testament to his enduring legacy.
28. Ian Geoghegan
Ian “Pete” Geoghegan was a legendary Australian race car driver who had a reputation for his quick wit and natural driving skills. He was known to be one of the iconic characters of the 1960s and 1970s Australian motor racing scene.
He was known for his speed and skill on the track, which gave him an edge over his competitors. Geoghegan was often referred to as “Pete” due to his nickname. His talent and charisma enabled him to be a prominent figure in the motor racing world.
He was renowned for his ability to drive with precision and skill, and for his infectious personality.
His presence was always welcomed on the track, and he made a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of racing with him. Geoghegan’s remarkable career was also marked by his bravery and fearlessness.
He was not afraid to take risks and was known to push the limits of his car and his own skill set.
He was always eager to take on new challenges and was willing to take risks in order to gain an advantage. Despite the fact that Ian “Pete” Geoghegan is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. He was an extraordinary driver who inspired many with his passion, skill, and bravery.
He is remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his legacy will remain with the motor racing community for years to come.
29. Warwick Brown
Warwick Brown is a retired racing driver from Australia. He was born in the town of Terang, Victoria and began his motorsport career in 1973.
He raced in various series, including the Australian Touring Car Championship, the Australian Sports Sedan Championship and the Australian Super Touring Championship. He won the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1980 and 1981.
He also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship. After retiring from racing in 1998, Warwick Brown became a successful team manager and engineer. He founded his own team, called Team BRM, and managed it for nearly a decade.
During this time, Team BRM won several championships and was highly successful in the Australian racing scene. Today, Warwick Brown is still involved in motorsport, both as a manager and an engineer.
He works with a number of teams and drivers, helping them to achieve success in the sport.
30. Colin Bond
Colin John Bond OAM is a retired Australian racing driver who achieved the highest levels of success in the Australian motorsport industry. In 1969, Bond was recruited by Harry Firth to join the newly formed Holden Dealer Team.
The team was a group of professional racing drivers who were sponsored by Holden, an Australian car manufacturer. Bond was part of this team for a number of years and quickly became one of the most successful drivers in Australia.
He won numerous races and championships and was even awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his achievements in motorsport. Bond was a highly successful driver who left a lasting legacy in the Australian racing scene.
31. Allan Moffat
Allan George Moffat OBE is a legendary racing driver who has made a name for himself in both Canada and Australia. He is most known for his success in the Australian Touring Car Championship, where he won four championships.
His success in the Sandown 500, where he won six races, is also noteworthy. Finally, his four wins in the Bathurst 500/1000 cemented his legacy in the racing world. Moffat’s achievements on the track have been recognized with various awards and accolades.
In 1999, he was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
This honor was well-deserved, as Moffat has proven himself to be an excellent driver and an influential figure in the racing world. Moffat is an example of what is possible when you work hard and dedicate yourself to a passion.
His achievements in the racing world will be remembered for many years to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
32. Marcos Ambrose
Marcos Ambrose is an accomplished racing driver with an impressive racing career. He began his career in Australia, where he was extremely successful in the V8 Supercar series. He won the championship in 2003 and 2004, cementing his place as a top driver in the country.
After this success, he decided to pursue a greater challenge and relocate to the United States in 2006. Here, he entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and continued to build on his impressive racing career.
He has since retired from racing, but remains involved in the sport as the competition director of Garry Rogers Motorsport. He is an inspiring figure and a great example of dedication and determination to succeed in the sport.
33. Paul Hawkins
Robert Paul Hawkins was an Australian motor racing driver who came from a family with a deep love of motorsports. His father was a motorcycle racer before he became a minister in the church, so it was only natural that Robert followed in his father’s footsteps.
Robert was a great single-seater driver, but he really made his mark as an incredible sports car driver. He drove several different Ford GT40s and Lola T70s and quickly became renowned for his skill behind the wheel.
He was able to take these cars and turn them into a formidable force on the track, and he became one of the most successful drivers in the Australian motor racing scene.
34. Brad Jones
Bradley Jones, known as Brad, is a retired Australian racing driver who is now co-principal of the V8 Supercar racing team Brad Jones Racing with his brother Kim.
Although he is widely known as a V8 team owner, Brad has had a successful career in almost all forms of motorsport he has competed in. During his career as a racing driver, Brad won several championships and races in different types of motorsports, such as touring cars, formula racing, and rallycross.
He also competed at the highest level of motorsport, Formula One, as a test driver for Minardi in the late 1990s. Following his retirement from driving, Brad took over the running of Brad Jones Racing, which was founded by his father in 1989.
The team is now one of the most successful in V8 Supercar racing, with Brad and his brother Kim at the helm.
Brad is also involved in other forms of motorsport, such as co-driving for one of his sons in rallycross. Despite his success in team ownership, Brad will always be remembered for his achievements as a driver.
His skill on the track was undeniable, and it was this skill that helped him become a successful team owner. Brad Jones is an example of someone who has achieved success in both motorsport disciplines.
35. Paul England
Paul England was a professional racing driver from Australia. He was employed by the Repco company and was an avid driver of his own 138 Holden-powered grey motor Ausca sports racing car. His car was based on the body of the A6GCS Maserati, which was made out of fiberglass.
England was a highly skilled driver, and he was well-known in the racing circuit for his prowess. He was often able to outperform his competitors in his impressive Ausca car. His unique vehicle was one of a kind, and it made him stand out from other drivers.
England was an excellent driver, and he was able to achieve great success in the sport of racing.
36. Tony Gaze
Frederick Anthony Owen Gaze was an incredible man with a remarkable resume. He was an Australian fighter pilot who served with distinction in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
During this time, Gaze became a flying ace, with his 12.5 confirmed victories earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross and Two Bars.
After the war, Gaze decided to pursue his passion for racing, and had a successful career in the UK, Europe, and Australia, eventually being honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Gaze was a truly remarkable individual who will forever be remembered for his contributions to the air force and to motor racing.
37. Ashley Cooper
Ashley Alan Cooper was an accomplished Australian race car driver who tragically lost his life in a racing accident. At the Clipsal 500 meeting in Adelaide, Cooper’s car is believed to have crashed into a concrete barrier at an estimated speed of over 200 kilometres per hour.
The force of the impact was so intense that it caused severe head and internal injuries that ultimately led to Cooper’s death. The tragedy has sparked an investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
Early reports suggest that Cooper’s car may have been travelling at an incredibly high speed when it struck the barrier, although the cause of the crash remains uncertain. The racing community have been left in shock following the news of Cooper’s death.
He was a well-respected driver who achieved great success in his time on the track. His loss is a reminder of the dangers of motorsport and the risks that drivers take every time they take to the track.
The racing community have come together to grieve for Cooper and to pay tribute to his life and career. His family and friends are mourning the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend.
Ashley Alan Cooper’s memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the racing community for years to come.
38. Paul Morris
Paul Morris, also known as “The Dude”, is a successful Australian motor racing driver and team owner. He is the owner of Paul Morris Motorsport, a company that specializes in sprint car racing and the Stadium Super Trucks in Queensland, Australia.
Morris has had great success in the Stadium Super Trucks series, having won the Boost Mobile Super Trucks championship. His passion for motor racing and his expertise as a driver and team owner have made him a household name in the Australian motor racing scene.
Morris is an inspiration to aspiring motor racing drivers and team owners, showing that success can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
His success in the Stadium Super Trucks series has led to him becoming a well-respected and admired figure in the motor racing community.
39. Arthur Terdich
Arthur Terdich was an Australian racing driver who had a great success in 1929. He achieved a stunning victory in the Australian Grand Prix that year, driving a supercharged Bugatti Type 37A.
This was a significant achievement for Arthur and one that would stay with him for the rest of his life. The Bugatti Type 37A was an impressive vehicle, known for its speed and power.
Supercharging the engine meant that the car was able to reach even higher speeds, allowing Arthur to edge out his competition. He was able to dominate the race, finishing first and achieving a memorable victory. This win was a major highlight for Arthur Terdich.
It was a testament to his skill as a driver and his ability to drive a powerful car. He was able to use the Bugatti to its full potential and prove himself a true champion. This victory was a proud moment for Arthur and one that he would never forget.
40. Brian Shead
Brian Shead was a renowned Australian racing driver, constructor, and administrator. He was most well-known for designing, engineering, constructing and driving Cheetah Racing Cars.
From May 1970 to February 1980, Shead participated in 293 events and had an impressive record of success. He achieved 112 wins, 228 podium places, 85 fastest laps, and 30 lap records. Shead’s talent and dedication to the racing world was evident through his accomplishments.
His ability to design, engineer, construct, and drive his own racecar was a testament to his ingenuity and skill.
He was able to take what he’d crafted and make it into a winning machine, ultimately achieving 112 victories during the decade he raced. In addition to his wins, Shead also achieved 228 podium places, indicating that he was a consistent competitor.
He also made 85 fastest laps and set 30 lap records during the ten year period, showing that he was a force to be reckoned with. Brian Shead’s accomplishments demonstrate his commitment to the racing world.
Through a decade of hard work and dedication, he was able to make a name for himself, cementing his place as one of the greats in the Australian racing world.
41. Geoff Brabham
Geoff Brabham is an Australian former racing driver who made a name for himself in the United States. He was born in Australia and began racing at a young age, competing in the Australian Formula 2 Championship in the late 1970s.
Over the next few decades, Brabham would move to the United States and become one of the most successful drivers in the country, winning three consecutive IMSA GTU Championships from 1983-1985.
He also won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in 1993 and 1994, cementing his place as one of the most successful international drivers in U.S. racing history.
In addition to his success in the United States, Brabham also raced in the Formula One World Championship, finishing third in the 1988 championship. He retired from professional racing in 2001 but still remains a beloved figure in the motorsport community.
42. Garth Tander
Garth Tander is a highly successful motor racing driver from Australia. He is currently competing in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s Enduro Cup with his co-driver, driving the number 97 Holden ZB Commodore for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Tander has won multiple championships throughout his career, demonstrating his skill and prowess in the motor racing world.
Tander has been competing in the Supercars Championship since 1997 and has had an impressive career overall, achieving multiple titles and numerous podiums. His most recent victory was the 2014 Bathurst 1000, where he and his co-driver, Warren Luff, took first place.
This was Tander’s third win at the famous race, following his previous two wins in 2007 and 2009. Tander has proven to be a formidable opponent on the track and continues to be a fierce competitor in the motor racing world.
His impressive career and success demonstrate his talent and commitment to the sport. He is a valuable asset to Triple Eight Race Engineering and will continue to be a top contender in the Enduro Cup for many years to come.
43. Chris Alajajian
Chris Alajajian is a talented and successful race car driver from Australia. Born to Armenian parents, Alajajian has achieved great success in the racing world since his debut as a professional driver in 2007.
Alajajian’s career has included many successes, including winning the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 2007 and the Australian Porsche Carrera Cup Championship in 2009.
Alajajian has also competed in a variety of other motorsport series, such as V8 Supercars, A1GP, and the International V8 Supercars Championship.
He was the first Armenian to compete in the V8 Supercars Championship in 2009 and the first to win a race in the series the following year.
Chris Alajajian is a proud Armenian who has made a name for himself in Australian and international motorsports, providing a great example and inspiration for Armenians around the world.
44. Charlie O’Brien
Charles Lindsay O’Brien is a renowned Australian race car driver. He has been a part of the racing scene since 1976 when he became the youngest driver to win an Australian Touring Car Championship round.
This feat would make him a record holder for 27 years until 2003. O’Brien’s success in racing has been remarkable. His impressive skills behind the wheel were evident from an early age, which enabled him to become the youngest winner in the Australian Touring Car Championship.
He would go on to have an illustrious racing career, competing in a variety of domestic and international events. O’Brien’s racing achievements have been recognized by the racing community.
He has been inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame and has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
These awards serve as a testament to his skill and dedication throughout his career. As a retired race car driver, O’Brien has become an ambassador for the sport. He has been involved in a number of initiatives to promote racing and has also been an advisor to numerous teams.
O’Brien’s experience and knowledge have been invaluable to the sport, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
45. Arthur Abrahams
Arthur Abrahams is a semi-retired Australian race car driver who has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career. He has won three Australian Formula 2 Championships in 1987, 1991 and 1993, driving a Cheetah Mk8, Ransburg Cheetah, and Reynard 913 respectively.
Furthermore, he won the Australian Group C Touring Car Endurance Championship in 1984. Throughout the course of his career, Arthur Abrahams has proven himself to be an exceptionally talented and experienced race car driver.
His dedication to the sport and competitive drive has allowed him to become a multiple-time champion, and an icon in the Australian motorsport community. He has won numerous titles using a variety of cars, showing his versatility as a driver and capacity to master any car.
His victories in the 1987, 1991 and 1993 Formula 2 Championships demonstrate his skill and ability to take on a wide range of challenges. He also showed his endurance and endurance-racing capabilities when he won the Australian Group C Touring Car Endurance Championship in 1984.
Arthur Abrahams is a well-respected member of the Australian motorsport community, and his impressive record speaks for itself.
His commitment to the sport and success in various championships has made him a household name in Australian racing, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring drivers.
46. Rod Anderson
Rod Anderson is an accomplished race car driver who hails from Australia. His racing career began in the 1980s when he drove classic cars. After gaining some experience, he graduated to driving Australian sports cars from 1989 until 1996.
This experience served him well as he went on to win the Australian Formula Two national series in 1999. It was a remarkable achievement, given that Formula Two is one of the most challenging racing series in the world.
Anderson’s success is a testament to his skill as a driver, and his dedication to the sport. He has become an important figure in the racing world and an inspiration to many.
47. John Roxburgh
John Roxburgh was an Australian racing driver and motor sports administrator. He was an accomplished driver who achieved a major success in 1960 when he co-drove a Vauxhall Cresta with Frank Coad to victory in the Armstrong 500.
This was a major accomplishment in the racing world, and it highlighted the talent of both drivers. Roxburgh’s career was not limited to driving. He was also active in motor sports administration, and he was known for his dedication to the sport.
He was a respected figure in the racing community, and his contributions were widely recognized. Roxburgh’s legacy lives on in the racing world today.
His victory in the Armstrong 500 remains an important part of Australian motor racing history, and his commitment to the sport is remembered fondly. He is remembered for his skill as a driver, but also for his contributions to motor sports administration.
He was a major figure in the Australian racing world and his legacy will forever be remembered.
Conclusion
Australia is home to some of the best auto racing players in the world. With a strong motorsport tradition, Australia is home to a variety of talented drivers who have achieved success in both domestic and international racing.
From V8 Supercars to Formula One, Australia has produced some of the most successful drivers in the history of auto racing. With the support of sponsors, teams, and fans, the auto racing scene in Australia continues to grow and produce more talented drivers..
