PART of the world’s biggest privately-owned assortment of Peter Brock memorabilia could go on display at Bathurst’s National Motor Racing Museum after it was announced the collection’s current home in Queensland is closing.
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Bathurst Regional Council will investigate whether some of the items from Champions Brock Experience can be moved and put on display in the museum at the foot of the spiritual home of Australian motor racing, Mount Panorama.
Management of the Champions Brock Experience in Yeppoon said the global financial crisis and the effects of the recent devastating Queensland floods had forced their hand.
“It is with regret that the iconic tourist attraction, Champions Brock Experience, will close until further notice,” management wrote on their website.
“With the recent flooding in Queensland and particularly Rockhampton, our business has been substantially impacted.
“We feel at this time that the best approach is to close and consider our options further into the future.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to thank the many guests who have visited the experience and suppliers who have supported our business over the last three years, it is very much appreciated.”
Champions Brock Experience manager Heather Smith said the collection included Peter Brock’s Bathurst 1000 winning cars from 1982, 1983, and 1984 as well as race suits, helmets and drawings from the legend.
Bathurst’s mayor Paul Toole said he was sad to hear news of the closure, but added council would contact the collection’s owner Peter Champion to see if anything could be put on display in Bathurst.
“Here at the iconic National Motor Racing Museum we have an entire wing devoted to Peter Brock,” Cr Toole said.
“To hear the museum in Queensland is closing is disappointing, but I will ensure council makes contact with them to see if any items in the collection could be put on display here in Bathurst.”
Brock was regarded as the King of the Mountain after he won nine Bathurst 1000s.
He was 61 when he died in an accident while competing in the three-day Targa West rally near Perth in 2006, when he lost control of his high-powered Daytona Coupe and struck a tree.
That particular car is just one of many on display at the Champions Brock Experience.
The Champions Brock Experience’s final Up Close and Personal Tour will be held on Saturday, February 26, the day Brock would have turned 66.
n YOUR SAY: Should council try to bring the Brock memorabilia to Bathurst? Contact us by email at editor.westernadvocate@ruralpress.com, by mail at PO Box 11, Bathurst 2795 or comment online at www.westernadvocate.com.au.