Australian Motorsport Legend Allan Moffat Passes Away
Allan Moffat, a revered figure in Australian motorsport, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His family confirmed his death on the official Allan Moffat Facebook page, revealing he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Born in Canada, Moffat moved to Australia in the late 1950s and quickly became synonymous with Ford racing. He amassed four victories at the prestigious Bathurst 1000 and secured four Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) titles during the 1970s and 1980s.
Moffat’s legacy extends beyond his track successes. His family described him as not only a champion driver but also a mentor and advocate who profoundly influenced Australian and international motorsport. “He will be remembered for his unwavering passion, competitive spirit, and profound impact,” the statement read.
His Bathurst 1000 wins were all achieved in Ford vehicles, with notable triumphs in the Falcon GT-HO models and hardtops during the 1970s. Moffat debuted at Bathurst in 1969, the same year as Peter Brock, who became his legendary rival. Their rivalry is celebrated as one of the most iconic in motorsport history, often symbolized by their respective Holden and Ford cars.
In the latter part of his career, Moffat switched to Mazda after Ford withdrew from motorsport, clinching his fourth ATCC title in a factory-backed RX-7. He also teamed up with Peter Brock in an unexpected partnership and went on to win the opening round of the 1987 World Touring Car Championship at Monza.
Moffat retired from professional racing in 1989 after a victorious run at the Fuji 500. He remained involved in the sport, managing entries in the Bathurst 1000 and serving as a commentator during the early days of the V8 era. He also worked as a brand ambassador for Ford.
Diagnosed publicly with dementia in 2019, Moffat became a patron for Dementia Australia, helping raise awareness and support for affected families. The Allan Moffat Foundation continues these efforts in his honor.
He is survived by his two sons, James and Andrew, with James following his father into professional racing. Among his many honors, Moffat was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and was inducted into both the Supercars and Australian Sports Hall of Fame.
Allan Moffat leaves behind a lasting motorsport legacy, remembered not only for his driving prowess but also for his character and contributions to the racing community worldwide.
