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Sir Jack Brabham dies

Tributes roll in for racing legend Brabham, who passed away peacefully at 88

Nick DeGroot

Edited: May 19, 2014, 3:15 PM

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Jack Brabham

Triple Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham is gone....he was 88. According to reports, he passed away peacefully in his Gold Coast, Australia home earlier this morning. Until his death, Brabham held the distinction of being the oldest living Forumula One World Champion.

This icon of motor racing amassed a total of 14 F1 victories and three titles in his career. He is also the only driver to ever win the World Championship in a car of his own design and construction (1966). That is a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated. His other two triumphs came with the Cooper Racing Team in 1959 and 1960.

The Australian also participated in four Indy 500's, finishing as high as ninth in 1961. Jack was also the first man ever knighted for his services in motorsport.

The team he co-founded won 35 races, four driver titles, and two constructor championships, between their inception in 1962 and their final race in the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix.

In his homeland of Australia, Jack is a trailblazer, a pioneer, and holds the crown as the first Aussie to obtain a Formula One title. His maiden race victory came on the famous Monte Carlo street course, commonly referred to as Monaco, in 1959.

Sir Jack Brabham was an astonishing talent behind the wheel, a genius in the role of constructor, and will be missed by people from all corners of the motorsport world.

Jack's youngest son David

"It's a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Statement

"Every time an Indy car runs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you can find roots that trace back to Jack Brabham's rear-engined Cooper Climax T54 that he drove to 9th place in the 1961 Indianapolis 500," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. "In addition to starting the rear-engine revolution at IMS, Brabham competed in four Indianapolis 500 Mile Races and designed race cars that competed in the 500. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brabham family, especially with his son and former Indianapolis 500 competitor Geoff Brabham and his grandson and current Indy Lights competitor Matthew Brabham."

Ron Dennis Statement

Said McLaren's Ron Dennis, who once worked with Brabham: "The word 'legend' is often used to describe successful sportsmen, but often it exaggerates their status. In the case of Sir Jack Brabham, however, it's entirely justified.

"A three-time Formula 1 world champion, he remains the only driver to win a Formula 1 world championship driving a car bearing his own name - a unique achievement that will surely never be matched.

"When I started out in Formula 1 in the late 1960s, I worked first for Cooper and then for Brabham. Even as a callow youth, I could recognise greatness when I saw it, and I'll always regard it as an honour and a privilege to have worked for Sir Jack. I learned a lot from him too.

"So, on behalf of all at McLaren, I'd like to pay tribute to one of the most illustrious names in motor racing history, and above all to extend heartfelt condolences to Sir Jack's widow Margaret and his three sons Geoff, David and Gary.

"Sir Jack Brabham, legend, RIP."

V8 Supercar CEO James Warburton

"Sir Jack led the way for many Australians to succeed on the global stage and for Australia to be recognised as a leader in motorsport. "He will be forever loved, admired and remembered."

Mark Webber talks about relationship with Sir Jack Brabham

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