Legendary Australian open-wheeler figure dies

#Renowned constructor, driver, and motorsport administrator #Brian #Shead has died.

#Shead is perhaps best known for the #Cheetah #Racing #Cars, most of which he designed and built from his home in the #Melbourne suburb of #Mordialloc.

The #Cheetahs were the standard setters in #Australian open-wheel competition in the 1970s and 1980s, accounting for six national #Formula 2 titles including one for #Shead as a driver in 1979.

#He also played an instrumental role in establishing #Formula #Holden and served on #Motorsport #Australia’s (then known as the #Confederation of #Australian #Motor #Sport) #National #Track #Safety #Committee.

The latter work saw #Shead called up by the FIA to inspect race tracks around the world, while CAMS recognised his contribution to the sport with life membership in 1994.

#Michael #Borland, whose #Borland #Racing #Developments firm began with preparing cars for #Formula 2 in the 1980s, described him on social media as “A true quiet achiever of #Australian motorsport.

“Brian will be remembered for his simple and elegant designs, his amazing capacity for work and his sportsmanship,” added #Borland.

#Speedcafe.com extends its condolences to #Shead’s friends and family.