Advertisement

Australian race car legend Bob Jane dies aged 88


Australian race car legend and tyre magnate Bob Jane has died, age 88.

The prominent businessman’s youngest son Robert confirmed to 7 News Saturday morning that his father died last night surrounded by family.

Jane’s children Courtney, Charlotte and Robert Jane said in a statement their father Robert Frederick Jane lost his “brave fight with prostate cancer”.

Bob Jane, Australian race car legend and tyre magnate, dies age 88.
Former Australian race car driver and tyre magnate Bob Jane has died, aged 88. Source: AAP

While Jane was a four-time winner of the Armstrong 500, the race that became the prestigious Bathurst 1000, he was perhaps more commonly known as the founder of one of the country’s most iconic brands – his chain of tyre retailers, Bob Jane T-Marts.

“It was our privilege to have had him as our dad, whom we loved and cherished. We will miss him deeply and he will forever be in our hearts,” Jane’s family shared.

“Whilst dad was an Australian icon and champion of the community, most importantly to us he was our loving dad.”

Bob Jane, Australian race car legend and tyre magnate, dies age 88.
Bob Jane (centre) celebrates the launch of the Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 in August 2002 with his 1963 and 1964 winning co-drivers Harry Firth and George Reynolds. Source: AAP

The four-time Australian Touring Car Champion was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 2000.

In 1965 he opened the first Bob Jane T-Marts store in Melbourne before expanding the tyre chain nationwide. His son Rodney took over as CEO after the pair fell out.

In their statement, his family asked for privacy “at this devastating time”.