Some of Australia's past and present legends look back on the history of the iconic race ahead of this weekend's "razzamatazz". They say plenty has changed in 60 years, but the thrill of the event feels as fresh as ever.
www.abc.net.au
It's nice to see them mention Brocky. I was a bit sad when I learned of his passing. That was back in the late 2000s, as memory serves. That man had some skill - and some luck.
I realize that I'm an outlier, but I am not the only one. Even as an American, I knew about him and his ability to win on The Mountain. There was some stuff that left a sour taste in my mouth nearing the end of his career (and not because of him), but he was a true legend.
I'm not sure if anyone will take his record from him but, even if they do, he'll have still been first.
The history is pretty fascinating (to me). I'd easily place the track in the top 10 road tracks on the planet. (I don't care about ovals.) It's a very technical track and very unforgiving. If you make a mistake, it will cost you. Depending on where you are when you make that mistake, it will cost you everything.
That means you get an exciting race. Some races are basically a high-speed parade, with little passing - especially at the sharp end of the field. This one has action, typically from the first lap to the last lap.
I'm reminded of a favorite bit of racing wisdom. "You can't win on the first lap, but you can lose on it."
The way drivers are on Mt. Panorama seems to ignore this adage. They seem to just go for it as soon as the green flag flies. Which leads me to another favorite adage. "In order to finish first, you have to first finish."
