The Australian motorsport community is grieving the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Allan Moffat OBE, who passed away at the age of 86.
His official Facebook page confirmed the sad news, stating he died peacefully at 11:05am on Saturday following what was described as a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.
A Racing Colossus and His Legacy
Allan Moffat was not merely a successful driver; he was a towering personality who fundamentally shaped Australia's motorsport identity for more than five decades. Born in Canada in 1939, Moffat moved to Australia at 17 and by 1969 had become a full-time driver in the touring car championship.
His record behind the wheel is the stuff of legend. Moffat secured his place in history by winning the Bathurst 1000 four times – in 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1977. He also claimed the Australian Tour Car Championship title four times.
Between 1969 and 1972, driving a Ford Mustang, he achieved a staggering 101 race victories from just 151 starts. His famous rivalry and friendship with fellow legend Peter Brock defined an entire era of touring car racing.
Honours and Influence Beyond the Track
Moffat's impact extended far beyond his driving prowess. Supercars CEO James Warburton hailed him as a pioneer, a champion, and an icon whose influence is impossible to measure.
He was credited with bringing a new level of professionalism to the sport, transforming sponsorship and team management, with his methods still felt in the paddock today.
His contributions were formally recognised through numerous inductions:
- Supercars Hall of Fame (1999)
- Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame (2016)
- Sport Australia Hall of Fame (2018)
He became an Australian citizen in 2004 and was awarded an OBE in 1978 for his services to sport.
Later Years and Lasting Tributes
In his later years, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2019, Moffat dedicated himself to raising awareness as a Patron of Dementia Australia.
A campaign has been running since late 2022 to have Mountain Straight at Mount Panorama renamed in his honour, potentially as Moffat Mountain Straight.
The Supercars organisation will honour Moffat at the upcoming Adelaide Grand Final. He is survived by his sons, his grandchildren Max and Isla, and legions of heartbroken fans.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes, with one calling him their boyhood hero, while another lamented, Dreaded today coming. In my eyes, the king of Australian motorsport.
