Sir Jack Brabham, a three time Formula One World Champion, and the only man to win the F1 World Championship in a car bearing his own name, passed away earlier today at his home in Australia. 

Brabham was the first man to win the Formula One World Championship driving a rear engined car, taking consecutive titles in 1959 and 1960 driving a Cooper-Climax. He brought a Cooper to Indy in 1961 and ran as high as third in the Indianapolis 500 before finishing 9th, pioneering the rear engine revolution.

In 1962 Brabham left Cooper and, along with Ron Tauranac, founded Motor Racing Developments and began constructing Brabham racing cars. The new marque scored it's first Grand Prix victory with Dan Gurney at the wheel in the 1964 French GP then followed up with consecutive Formula One World Championships in 1966, with Sir Jack taking his third title, and 1967 with Denis Hulme. 

Sir Jack retired from racing after the 1970 season but kept his hand in the game in various ways. His three sons, Geoff, Gary and David have had distinguished careers of their own. His wife, Lady Margaret was at his side when he passed away this morning.

Over the years, we were privileged to host several autograph sessions with Sir Jack Brabham and always found him to be a soft-spoken gentleman. It is definitely a sad day.

We found an interesting tribute to Sir Jack at 'The Australian'. We hope you'll take a look.

 - Paul