I’m going to open a can of worms here and give my opinion on an unanswerable question.
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Who was or is Australia’s greatest ever touring car driver?
Let’s go right back to the 60s to start.
A few names to consider.
Norm Beechey, Bob Jane, Ian Geoghegan and Allan Moffat.
From later eras, Jim Richards, Peter Brock, Dick Johnson and Mark Skaife.
From today’s super stars Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, GarthTander and Mark Winterbottom.
I’ll break my top drivers into two categories.
The most naturally gifted driver with the best car control I ever saw was Ian ‘Pete’ Geoghegan.
Pete, as he was known was five times Australian Tourng Car Champion.
His record in the Total Team/Castrol Ford Mustang of 68 wins from 74 starts remains unmatched.
But overall the driver I would nominate as Australia’s best ever touring car racer is seven times supercar champion Jamie Whincup.
In a era of ultra professionalism he stands out from the rest.
Overtaking in the leading supercars is relatively rare, except in the pits.
Jamie can qualify down the grid but generally finishes in the top three.
His mistakes are rare.
He is simply a master of his craft.
Love to hear from readers about these selections.
Next week I’ll let you know my best ever Australian racing driver.
You will be surprised.
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