24h Le Mans
Though Sir Jack Brabham's experiences at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are linked to the constructors Cooper, Aston Martin and then Matra, the Australian legend did indeed participate in a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Porsche.
This feat Sir Jack Brabham achieved in 1984 in his homeland. At the time 58 years old, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion dusted off his boots and sported an official Porsche team suit for the 11th and last round of the world calendar, raced at the Sandown circuit near Melbourne.
In addition to its two main cars entered in the entirety of the championship for Derek Bell, Stefan Bellof, Jacky Ickx and Jochen Mass, the Rothmans Porsche team presented two 956s for the Australian finale. So, the 100% Australian duo Vern Schuppan and Alan Jones shared the No. 3 while Johnny Dumfries and Sir Jack Brabham rolled promotionally in the No. 56.
For the then middle-aged driver, the experience was a first in 14 years. Indeed, since the 1970 Grand Prix of Mexico, Sir Jack Brabham had not taken part in a world auto race. Without any specific goal other than to enjoy the best endurance car at the time, the Brabham-Dumfries driver line-up qualified in 14th position before unfortunately finishing unranked due to suspension issues. Nonetheless, what was important was there that Sunday, December 2, 1984, as the Australian public was able to witness the presence of one of the great figures in motorsports history, at home and at a World Championship race. As an aside, Sir Jack Brabham shared his Porsche 956 with a teammate his junior by...32 years. Youth and wisdom aligned as needed for endurance racing.
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion (1959, 1960 and 1966) and father of Geoff and David, winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Sir Jack Brabham passed away May 19, 2014 at the age of 88.
