It is with great sadness that CAMS advises the recent passing of Mr Fred Berge from Toowoomba.

Starting his lifelong devotion to motor sport as a rally driver, Fred joined the Toowoomba Auto Club as an official and began to work his way up the ranks in the club.

While at the club, he was the brains and founding member behind the very successful Short Circuit Motor Sport Association which unearthed a number of talented Australian drivers, including 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power. 

CAMS’ Queensland Elected Director Laurence Svenson praised the efforts of the late Fred Berge and his influence to the sport.

“I first met Fred at hill climbs in the 1980s and we formed a friendship over the years,” Svenson said.

“Fred and his long time friend Ms Pat Murray ran Off Road, Circuit and Hill Climbs over many years and he was also an avid motor sport photographer and media person. 

“He has played such a pivotal role in providing an inexpensive well regulated competition that has launched so many drivers careers, his contribution cannot be overstated.”

Fred is survived by his two children Brad and Lynnette, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his great long term friend Pat Murray of the Short Circuit Motor Sport Association, and all of the association’s Executive and membership. 

A funeral will take place on at 2pm on Tuesday, 16 April at Saint Thomas More’s Catholic Church in Toowoomba.