One of the most highly regarded Australian drivers in racing history has passed away at his Gold Coast home.

Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, and triple Formula 1 World Champion, is still the only driver to win a world title in a car that he built himself – an incredible feat that’s unlikely to ever be repeated.

‘Black Jack’ was one of the most accomplished drivers and team owners in the history of the sport.

After making his mark on road racing in the early 1950’s, Sir Jack went on to win Formula One Championships in 1959, 1960 and 1966 with the Cooper Racing Team. In 1959, after running out of petrol on the final lap, Sir Jack won the championship by pushing his car across the finish line, creating one of the most enduring legends in Australian motorsport history.

He also famously built his own car – the BT19 – which he drove to Formula One victory in 1966, the same year he was honoured as Australian of the Year. The next year he was awarded the Order of the British Empire and in 1979 he became the first driver to be knighted for his services to motorsport. By the time he retired in 1970, Sir Jack had notched up 14 Grand Prix wins.

David Brabham paid tribute to his father via the Sir Jack Brabham website.

“It’s a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind.”

One of the true gentleman of racing, Sir Jack is survived by his wife, Lady Margaret, sons Geoff, Gary and David and their families. His family have upheld Sir Jack’s love of motorsport with all three of his sons, and now two of his grandsons, forging their own careers in international racing.

• Formula One World Drivers Champion 1959, 1960 and 1966
• Formula One World Constructors Champion 1966 and 1967
• Fourteen Grand Prix wins
• Thirteen Formula One Pole Positions
• Ten second and seven third place finishes
• Australian of the Year 1966
• Awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1967
• Knighted for his services to motor sport in 1979
• Only driver in Formula One history to win the championship in a car of his own construction
• Contested 126 Grand Prix from 1955 to 1970
• British Saloon Car Championship in 1965
• Won both the Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix three times
• Four-time winner of the European Formula Two Championship

Source: http://www.jackbrabham.com