Special Memorial for Peter Brock at Dunlop Targa

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Special Memorial for Peter Brock at Dunlop Targa

October 24 2006: Motor racing enthusiasts will have the chance to pay a special tribute to the memory of Australian motor racing legend Peter Brock and at the same time support the work of the Cure Kids charity during the Dunlop Targa rally this week (October 22-29).

Dunlop Targa director Mike John and competitor Hamish Paterson of Auckland, with the support of Racepro Composites, have created the novel concept of the Peter Brock Memorial bonnet which people can sign for a gold coin donation for Cure Kids, the rally’s official charity.

“The idea came from one or our crewman and we all felt it was a very fitting way to remember Peter. He was such a legend, but he was also a genuine and warm human being who touched everyone he met,” says Hamish. “Peter was scheduled to race in this year’s Dunlop Targa and in doing that he would have been championing the Cure Kids cause.”

The bonnet, which will be on Hamish’s 2002 Holden Monaro, will be available for people to sign as the Dunlop Targa moves through the North Island from Auckland finishing in Hastings on October 29. At the completion of the event the bonnet will be removed and auctioned during the prizegiving with proceeds to Cure Kids for research into children’s life threatening illnesses.

The first signature on bonnet came from Kiwi racing star Greg Murphy, and it is hoped that all the top drivers in the event will add their signatures along with other competitors and members of the public, who wish to sign it as a mark of respect for Peter Brock.

“We could conceivably collect thousands of signatures,” says Hamish. “We hope to cover both sides of the bonnet before it is auctioned. It will be quite a collector’s item and we hope it will raise significant money for Cure Kids.”

Hamish says he has replaced the original bonnet of his Holden Monaro with the memorial bonnet and he and his co-driver Bryce Binnie of Rotorua plan to drive cautiously to ensure it arrives in one piece at the end of the Dunlop Targa.

“We will do the best we can to be competitive in the rally at the same time ensuring we look after the bonnet on the way. It is a great thing for us to be able to do for Peter.”

Cure Kids general manager Thelma French is delighted with the gesture.

“Since we have been involved with the Dunlop Targa, over the last four years, more than $200,000 has been raised for the charity. We are so appreciative of the support we receive and it is especially heartwarming for us to be associated with such a legendary person as Peter Brock. The concept of the memorial bonnet makes our involvement this year all the more special.”

ENDS

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