Grant Steers, the former Holden identity who was involved in several decades of the car maker’s journey in Australian motor racing, has died in Melbourne.

Aged in his late 60s, Steers had been a long time sufferer of Type 1 diabetes and had been on kidney dialysis treatment.

Steers, who was affectionately called the ‘The Spear’, had at one time shared lodgings with the late Peter Brock.

During this time Steers had infamously made headlines in Melbourne’s The Truth newspaper following a wild party at their house which involved a guest’s dog being killed.

Steers had started his career in the mailroom at Holden in 1969 and held various mid to senior level management positions.

His last role before retiring early last decade was liaison between the Holden Racing Team and Holden Special Vehicles.

A Holden man to his bootlaces, Steers had formed strong bonds with several drivers including Larry Perkins.

He had maintained contact with current Holden Motorsport boss Simon McNamara and had been particularly touched by Craig Lowndes’ sixth Bathurst 1000 win last month.

Steers was also known to have taken great delight from Jack Perkins’ maiden V8 Supercars win alongside James Courtney at the Castrol Gold Coast 600 recently.

Holden released a brief statement, saying: “Holden wishes to send its heartfelt condolences to the Steers family. Grant Steers played a major role in Holden’s motorsport history and he will be much missed.”

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