There were a team of Australians during 1955 targeting a take over of European sports car racing and set the groundwork for all future programs from down under.
‘The Kangaroo Stable’ as it was known led by Grand Prix driver Tony Gaze proved to give many Australian drivers a start in Europe including none other than Jack Brabham.
Gaze was previously a decorated Spitfire pilot during World War II and convinced Lord March to turn Goodwood Aerodrome as a race circuit.
It was a suggestion by Gaze for a large number of Australian drivers to team up and take on sports car races across Europe.
Other than Gaze and Brabham, fellow drivers included Tom Sulman, David McKay, Lesh Cosh, Tony Gaze and Dick Cobden.
Despite Gaze attempting to purchase D-Type Jaguars for ‘The Kangaroo Stable’, a firm delivery date was unable to be given.
This opened the door for John Wyer and Aston Martin, with the promise being three DB3Ss for the 1955 racing season.
Just 31 DB3Ss were produced to reverse the fortunes of Aston Martin after the disaster of its previous model.
The driver line-up was headed by Gaze/McKay in DB3S/102, Sulman/Brabham piloting DB3S/103 and Cosh/Cobden driving DB3S/104.
The most notable result for ‘The Kangaroo Stable’ was its first race where the trio of teams finished second, third and fourth.
However, it proved a short season due to the disaster at Le Mans where 83 spectators and Mercedes-Benz driver Pierre Levegh were killed, while more than 120 attendees were injured.
In reaction to this racing in Europe effectively stopped resulting in a short tenure for ‘The Kangaroo Stable’.
Gaze stayed on in England, Brabham wet onto win three World Driver’s Championships in Formula 1, while both McKay and Sulman took their Aston Martins back to Australia. The other Aston found its way to the US.
Despite how short it lasted, ‘The Kangaroo Stable’ ensured Australian drivers skill was highlighted on the international scene and provided future opportunities, which endures to this current day.