Motorsport legend Allan Moffat has died at the age of 86 after a long battle with dementia.
In 2019, Moffat chose to speak publicly after he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, sharing his experience to help others know they are not alone and to raise awareness and funds across the racing community and beyond.
His honesty, determination and generosity inspired many and strengthened understanding of dementia in Australia.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan acknowledged the racing driver’s extraordinary advocacy.
“Allan was admired and respected not only as an icon of Australian motorsport, but also as an advocate who used his profile to make a meaningful difference for people of all ages living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Allan’s support of our work including Memory Walk & Jog events, fundraising initiatives, media stories and social media posts has made a difference in many ways to the lives of people impacted by dementia.
“His legacy of honesty, courage and generosity will continue to help families facing dementia for years to come.”
In a career that spanned some 25 years, Moffat won the coveted Bathurst race four times before his retirement from racing in 1989.
He was the Australian Touring Car Champion four times, with six wins in the Sandown 500 plus a win in the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring.
Moffat was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 1999.
Born in Saskatoon, Canada, Moffat moved to Australia as a 17-year-old college student with his parents when his father, who worked for Massey Ferguson, was transferred to Melbourne for work.
In the early 1960s, he started his racing career at the wheel of a Triumph TR3.
Although best known for his long association with the FordMotor Company, Moffat also drove for Mazda and Holden — believe it or not.
In 1986, he joined friend and longtime rival Peter Brock as part of the Holden Dealer Team.
But it will be for his time behind the wheel of the fire-breathing Falcon GT-HO that he will be best remembered.
People looking for information can visit dementia.org.au or contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
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