Motorcycling legend Mick Doohan and ex-Formula 1 ace Alan Jones have been announced as the latest inductees to the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame.
Doohan and Jones are among 30 inductees to the inaugural Hall of Fame which will celebrate Australia’s rich heritage in both international and domestic competition in Melbourne on March 19.
The pair join the late Peter Brock as three already announced inductees in a long overdue national Hall of Fame for motorsport.
The Hall of Fame covers every discipline of motorsport in Australia with the inauguration dinner held at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Brisbane-born Doohan won five consecutive 500cc World Motorcycle Championships from 1994 to 1998 in a period of stunning domination for the factory Honda team.
Doohan scored 54 wins from his 137 starts, 95 podiums and 58 pole positions in an astonishing career after coming back from horrific leg injuries earlier in the 1990’s.
“To look back at Australia’s batting average in motorsport it has been pretty successful,” Doohan said.
“So it is great to be recognised and I think the evening will be a fantastic turnout with so many past and present drivers, riders and the like.”
Jones took the Williams team to its first Formula 1 World Championship when he secured the title in 1980.
During a grand prix career that spanned 116 starts, Jones claimed 12 wins and 24 podiums.
Jones’ F1 career began at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975 and, following a sabbatical during the early 1980s, ended with two seasons at Carl Haas’ team in 1985 and 1986.
Jones’ final F1 start was at the 1986 season-ending Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide.
“I’m extremely honoured to have been chosen to be a participant of this award,” Jones said.
“I’m really looking forward to being in the room with so many successful and famous luminaries of motor sport in general which covers all aspects.”
Chairman of the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame committee, Garry Connelly said both Doohan and Jones were feted around the world for their exploits.
“What Mick and Alan achieved laid the platform for many more Australians on both two and four wheels to pursue their dreams of international motor sport success,” said Connelly.
“Mick’s characteristic style on the 500cc bike was without peer.
“To overcome his injuries and still dominate the way he did was an inspiration.”
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