Friends, family unite to honor Sir Jack Brabham

Over 400 people joined the Brabham family in celebration of the remarkable life and outstanding achievements of triple Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham at Silverstone today.

Sir Jack’s widow, Lady Margaret, sons David and Geoffrey, grandsons Sam, Matthew and Finn were all in attendance for the special Memorial event held in aid of Kidney Research UK.

Alongside Jack’s friends and racing adversaries, members of the international motorsport community and racing fans gathered to pay their respects to the legendary driver and engineer, who sadly passed away on 19 May. The Sir Jack Brabham Memorial provided the chance for rivals and admirers alike to share their most precious memories of ‘Black Jack’, while marveling at some seldom seen footage and photographs, and some of Jack’s treasured personal artifacts.

Hosted by Sir Jack’s youngest son David, his father’s former on-track rivals and fellow drivers such as Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart, Tony Brooks, John Surtees and Michael Macdowel joined John Watson and Jackie Oliver to recount tales of battles past.

Sir Stirling was there

Sir Stirling Moss commented: “Jack certainly knew how to drive a car. When I think back about him, I think what an amazing man he was. He was fast, he knew what he was doing, he was mechanically savvy with the car, I’d say he was my toughest competitor of all. Every week we were racing against each other in different countries, and it’s difficult to think of anyone who gave me more trouble to be honest.

“He was a very complete racing driver, I tell you that. Racing in those days was a sport, I mean Jack lent me a back axle once in Australia, knowing that I might beat him, that was the kind of man he was. It’s a very special occasion to be here today, but then he was a very special man. I must say I’ve had some of my best ever races against him and I remember him with great joy.”

Flanked by the Brabham BT11/19 and BT20, representing Sir Jack’s iconic 1966 World Championship win, Gordon Murray, Doug Nye, John Judd and Nick Goozée also shared their own special stories. Special video messages were received from fellow countrymen and Red Bull Racing’s newest recruit, Daniel Ricciardo and his predecessor Mark Webber, while David read out a tribute from Ron Dennis and his brother Geoff shared a message sent by FIA President Jean Todt. 

Eight stunning cars, either driven or manufactured by the Brabham team adorned the main hall, including a Cooper-Climax T53, the sister car to Jack’s 1960 Formula 1 World Championship winner. The 1962 BT3, the first Brabham F1 car ever built, a Brabham BT24 and sister car to Sir Jack’s final F1 chariot, the Brabham BT33 in which he took his last Grand Prix win in South Africa 1970, were also on display alongside a 1963 Brabham BT6 Formula Junior Car and 1964 BT8 sportscar. 

Sir Jack suffered from kidney disease and underwent dialysis for many years. He was renowned for his tremendous contribution to raising awareness of kidney disease, particularly in Australia. In the hope of continuing Jack’s efforts, the Sir Jack Brabham Memorial raised funds for Kidney Research - the only UK based charity dedicated to funding research to create a world free from kidney disease. Those wishing to donate to Kidney Research UK can do so via www.justgiving.com/ SirJackBrabham

David Brabham commented: “It was a special day for the Brabham family to have over 400 people turn up for the event, and to have some of the racing greats take time out to tell their stories about Jack was extremely touching.  We had a fantastic response from those wishing to attend and the media interest was staggering. It was a marvellous opportunity for friends and fans to get together and remember ‘Black Jack’, and also support one of Dad’s charities, Kidney Research. I’d like to thank the BRDC, Silverstone and my Brabham team members for a superbly organised event."