Respected Australian motor racing administrator Ivan Stibbard has died following a long battle with illness, aged 76.
Stibbard will be best remembered for his role with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club which saw him a key member of the administration team for the Bathurst race over a period of 30 years.
Following a 16-year stint with would-be Bathurst sponsor James Hardie, Stibbard started with the ARDC as the race’s assistant secretary in 1968, working under the famed Jack Hinxman.
Stibbard eventually progressed to be general manager of The Great Race from 1981 through to 1997.
That time saw Stibbard most famously give the nationally televised official decelerations of the winners for the red flagged events in 1981 and 1992.
Following his time at the ARDC Stibbard operated a small car detailing business as well as spending time traveling with his wife, Leonie.
Stibbard has been largely absent from the motor racing scene in recent years, but made one of his last public appearances at a Speedcafe.com Dick Johnson tribute dinner in his home town of the Gold Coast in October, 2012.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s ‘Where are they now?’ feature with Stibbard, published in January, 2011.
Stibbard’s funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday, January 28, at Parkview Chapel, Allambie Memorial Park, Nerang, Gold Coast.
Speedcafe.com extends its condolences to Leonie, Ivan’s son, Mark and daughter Terina.
