Repco will bring to life its motorsport heritage at the return of the Formula 1® Heineken® Australian Grand Prix 2022 at Melbourne this week.
The Repco-Brabham BT19, made famous by Sir Jack Brabham for winning the 1966 world title, will make a rare appearance as a display vehicle within the Repco Garage, located behind the main straight grandstand amongst a range of other activations.
Celebrating its 100th birthday, Repco will bring the popular Repco Garage to the Albert Park street circuit, featuring a range of fun and interactive activities that will keep race fans of all ages entertained.
While the Repco Pit Stop Challenge, viewing deck and a horde of games and prizes are the hallmark of the popular Repco Garage, it will be the Repco-Brabham BT19 that is sure to grab the attention of the expected record crowd.
The BT19 was built and designed by driver/engineer duo Brabham and Ron Tauranac, with Brabham remaining the only driver to win the world championship with a car bearing his own name. It’s a feat unlikely to ever be repeated.
The BT19 also went on to win the world title the following year in the hands of New Zealand ace Denny Hulme.
Of course, the engine that powered Brabham and Hulme to international success was built locally, by Repco. The naturally aspirated Repco V8 was, literally, the power behind Sir Jack’s third world title.
Repco CEO Wayne Bryant says that the return of F1 to Melbourne and Repco’s milestone centenary provided the perfect timing to celebrate this iconic piece of motorsport history.
“The Repco-Brabham BT19 is globally revered, and Repco is proud to showcase this amazing car to the fans of Formula 1,” said Bryant.
“The achievements of Sir Jack, Ron Tauranac and the entire Brabham team can not be underestimated. It’s a car that was designed by Australians, powered by our Repco V8 and, coupled with the likes of Brabham and New Zealander Denny Hulme, was the benchmark of the world of F1.
“It’s our pleasure to have this car on display for everyone to get an up close and personal view. The BT19 is a true national treasure and we encourage all F1 fans to stop by and take a look at the Repco Garage.”
The Repco Garage and the BT19 will be a feature of the highly-anticipated Formula 1® Heineken® Australian Grand Prix 2022 that includes the return of F1® to Melbourne after a two year absence. The Repco Supercars Championship will also be racing around the recently reconfigured 5.279 km layout. While only 24 metres shorter than its previous guise, the new stretch of road around the back of the Albert Park street track will prove faster for drivers and more exciting for fans.
Other support categories on the bill include the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.