Motorsport Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of former international driver, Neil Crang.

 

A well respected competitor, Neil made a name for himself in sports car racing, having contested in some of the biggest events around the world and against some of the most famous names in racing.

 

Born in Melbourne in 1949, it didn’t long into adulthood for Neil to head to Europe to establish his racing career, while managing his professional career as a grain broker. 

 

Based in the United Kingdom, Neil competed at a local level as a member for many years throughout the 1970s.

 

In 1980, he began competing at national and international level, later claiming podiums in the 1982 MCD British Formula Atlantic Championship and the 1983 Formula Atlantic BRSCC, both behind the wheel of the Tiga FA82. 

 

Despite having notable experience in international competition, his biggest honour came in 1985 when he won the Oulton Park International Gold Cup alongside Tim Lee-Davey.

 

One of the most prestigious prizes in world motorsport, the Cup ran between 1954 and 2004 and saw some of the biggest names in the sport’s history win it, including Jack Brabham and British legends Stirling Moss, Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart.

 

Throughout the 1980s, Neil also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for five consecutive years alongside a number of drivers from the UK and Europe – his best result coming in 1987 where he finished 15th outright out of 49 cars.

 

Neil is survived by his wife Dianne and children Charles, Malcolm, Olivia and Samantha.