Jack Brabham

Jack Brabham in the Formula One Cooper at the U.S. Grand Prix at Riverside, November 1960. He led the first five laps of the race and then had to make a pit stop letting Stirling Moss, who won, into the lead. Even so, Jack turned in the fastest lap. Photo: Jim Sitz

Jack was born on April 2, 1926, and I think it’s appropriate that we all wish him a happy birthday. (I realize you are reading the May edition of Vintage Racecar, but subscribers usually get it in April.) On this occasion, I thought you might be interested in some of Brabham’s earlier experiences.

I feel fortunate to have the honor of knowing Sir Jack, personally. We have even celebrated two of his previous birthdays together at my home. In spite of his worldwide acclaim, there is nothing forbidding about Sir Jack. I find it difficult to avoid comparing his personality to Fangio: modest, quiet, and seemingly without ego.

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