Motorsport Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of John Harvey OAM.

Having been a significant contributor to Australian motorsport both on and off the track for more than six decades, John was a highly respected individual who excelled in speedway, speed racing, as well as a team manager in Australian Touring Car racing.

Born in 1938, Harvey first got involved in the sport during the 1950s but started taking his career seriously in the 1960s when he went national, getting his first taste of success in 1966 with the Australian 1.5 Litre Championship title.

In the early 1970s, John managed to claim further trophies in quick succession with consecutive titles in the Australian Sports Car Championship in 1971 and 1972 before claiming Toby Lee Series in 1973.

One of John’s greatest career honours came a decade later when he was victorious in the 1983 Bathurst 1000 alongside the late Peter Brock and Larry Perkins. 

Four years later, John enjoyed one of his most successful years behind the wheel with victory in the Darwin to Adelaide World Solar Championship and the prestigious 24 Hour of Spa.

Outside of national and international success, John had also claimed a number of state Championships including three in New South Wales and two in Victoria.

In 1988 he retired from his career as a driver to focus on his work with Holden and Holden and HSV where he would continue his incredible contributions, overseeing a mighty successful era for more than three decades.

While John left a long lasting legacy for his heroics on track, his work on the other side of the fence would prove just as special and in 2018, he was acknowledged for his efforts in the sport, being inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

Earlier this year, John also received yet another accolade and was awarded with an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the sport.

John lost a battle to lung cancer and is survived by his wife Bev, children Donna, Lyndall and Gavin and nine grandchildren and great grandchildren.