Motorsport icon Allan Moffat dies aged 83 after Alzheimer's battle

[ad_1] Allan Moffat has been remembered as an icon and pioneer of Australian motorsport after the four-time Bathurst champion died on Saturday morning aged 86.

Moffat died surrounded by family members after an extended battle with Alzheimer's illness.

One of many greats of Australian racing, the Canadian-born driver gained the Touring Automotive Championships 4 occasions between 1973 and 1983.

Moffat is without doubt one of the most embellished drivers in Australian motorsport historical past. ( Getty Photos through LAT Photos )

The Supercars and Sport Australia Corridor of Famer then stayed on within the sport in staff administration after his 1989 retirement, additionally transferring into commentary.

"Allan was a pioneer, a champion and an icon whose impression on our sport is inconceivable to measure," mentioned Supercars CEO James Warburton.

"His report speaks for itself.

"He was a dominant power throughout one of the vital aggressive eras in touring automotive racing and his legendary rivalry — and friendship — with Peter Brock outlined a era.

"However Allan's legacy reaches far past the racetrack.

"He introduced a brand new stage of professionalism to the game, remodeling the position of sponsorship and staff administration in ways in which formed the fashionable period of Supercars. His affect can nonetheless be felt within the paddock right now.

"Allan Moffat was one of many best we'll ever see. He will probably be deeply missed."

Born in Canada, Moffat moved to Australia at age 17.

A Bathurst champion in 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1977, Moffat was the face of Ford in Australia for near a decade as he took on Brock on the mountain.

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He's additionally one in all simply three drivers to have taken pole at Bathurst three straight years.

Moffat additionally gained Sandown six occasions as a part of his 32 race victories within the Touring Automotive Championships and tasted success in a Mazda later in his profession.

He had been battling Alzheimer's illness since being recognized in 2019.

"Australia has misplaced one in all its sporting legends right now with the passing of Allan Moffat OBE," his household mentioned in a press release.

"Allan Moffat was not solely one in all Australia's most profitable and admired motor racing drivers, however a towering determine whose affect formed the nation's motorsport id for greater than 5 a long time.