Frank was a truly iconic Aussie motor
racing identity. He was known in motor sport circles around the globe in all
categories including Formula One, Formula 2, sports cars, touring cars, and
also as a very accomplished race engineer.
His laconic personality, his ability to
‘spin a yarn’ and hold his audiences’ attention was a much-valued quality. His
friends all over the world mourned his death in 2009. The cause of death was
essentially a form of metals poisoning as a result of injuries from racing and
workshop accidents including one which saw his legs burned and scarred.
I live right across the road from Frank and
the glamorous Gloria. The couple, married in 1969, had a storied life, living and competing all over
the world, and gathering a network of friends among all echelons of the motor
racing world.
It was 1967 when I first met Frank, at the
Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst, west of Sydney. I had a budding career as a
motor racing commentator, and I went to interview Frank in the paddock garage
of Alec Mildren Racing, where Frank was preparing an Alfa Romeo GT for rising
star Kevin Bartlett.
I clearly remember a gem of experience
flowing from Frank, when he told the mechanics to grind off all the paint
around the holes where the wheel studs were. His reasoning, based on his racing
exploits, was that because of the heat generated during racing, the paint could
expand and contract, and allow the wheel nuts and studs to come loose, and the
car could lose a wheel.
A tiny snippet of advice, but great evidence
of Frank’s ferocious attention to detail.
My second personal connection came at that
same race meeting at Easter in 1967. Frank needed a lift to the top of the
mountain, so I offered to take him in my Cooper S. As we set off Frank said:
“Stop here. You’re sitting back too far from the wheel. Move your seat closer.”
The he explained why: “When you’re driving
a manual, set up the driver’s seat so that you can comfortably reach over with
your right foot and fully depress the clutch. That’s the best indicator of the
correct seating position for you, in your car.” Guess what? He was absolutely
right!
This advice also became another valuable component
of a ‘second career’, which became Frank’s lifelong passion – driver training.
He set up a Driver Training Centre on the southern outskirts of Brisbane; wrote
a book called ‘Drive to Survive’ and was a very vocal advocate for more
extensive training of young licence holders.
I am delighted that Frank received the Order of Australia, for services to motor sport. It is a fitting tribute to his real, and dedicated contribution.
Frank Gardner was honest, earthy, vastly experienced
and despite the gruff exterior was a guy who cared deeply for his friends.
Those who knew him best gathered in Melbourne just before this year’s
Australian Grand Prix to witness Frank Gardner posthumously elected to the
Australian Motor Racing Hall of Fame.
Franks’ widow, Gloria, and children Kristen
and Steve, accepted the honour from Brett ‘Crusher’ Murray.