Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley In Touch June 2014 | Page 13

The passing of Australian Formula 1 racing legend Jack Brabham also brought back
memories for our resident car buff Past President Phil Cohen

SIR JACK BRABHAM: A REMINISCENCE
At the 1961 Los Angeles Time Grand Prix at Riverside, Calif., I was in the pits with Bob Challman’s
Lotus IX.

Bob Challman in the Lotus IX at Riverside
Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren were there with two Cooper Monaco 'sports cars,' basically tarted-up Formula 1's with a second seat and envelope bodies.
On the penultimate lap of the 200 mile race, McLaren was leading, with Brabham right behind him. As they came
out of turn 9, a 180 degree sweeper, and down to the start/finish line near where I was standing, I watched
Brabham get under McLaren and motor right past him.

My 1/43 model of the Lotus
It was a thrilling moment, and the move was vintage Brabham - to say he was an aggressive driver would be putting it mildly - and I doubt if Bruce was too happy. But then, he was only a bloody New Zealander, as I’m sure
“Black Jack” would have been quick to point out.

Jack Brabham leading Bruce McLaren on the final lap

Riverside Raceway. Turn 9 is on the far right
Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley

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