https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/bl...8c712e03cf4c3d
Champion racing driver, team owner, track builder and one-time business titan Bob Jane has died at 88.
At his 1970s peak, Jane was a remarkably combative and aggressive individual, even by the hyper-masculine standards of the day. Something of his attitude was evident in Jane’s forward-leaning boxer’s stance behind the wheel.
Along with thousands of other kids at racetracks around Australia, I sought Jane’s autograph. His tough-guy image wasn’t so evident in those moments. He was always up for a friendly – and occasionally argumentative – chat, even with us dumb nine-year-olds.
On the track and in business, however, Jane was one serious player. Through a combination of enormously hard work, financial and physical daring and sheer toughness, Jane eventually built a multi-million dollar tyre empire.
John Harvey, who drove for Jane during the late 1960s and early 1970s, tells a beautifully illustrative tale of his former boss. Seriously injured in a crash at Bathurst, Harvey spent some weeks in hospital before Jane undertook to drive him home.
At one point Jane stopped at a café to order some food for his still-frail team member. Harvey watched in astonishing at Jane gave precise and rapid-fire details of a health-boosting multi-ingredient milkshake to a flustered counter attendant. When the poor girl gave up in confusion, Jane jumped the counter and made the drink himself.
Bob Jane throughout his career made probably as many enemies as he did friends, including – sadly – among his own family. In recent years he declared bankruptcy with only a few dollars to his name.
Yet Jane’s achievements remain undiminished. Farewell, Bob.