Mark Skaife

WORDS: Brendan Fredericks PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

When it comes to masters of motorsport, Mark Skaife is without peer. The stats ordain him the most brilliant touring car racer in Australian motorsport history: his six Bathurst victories and five touring car championships place him in the rarefied company of Peter Brock.

For more than three decades, across the Holden Racing Team’s golden era, Skaife was the chosen one. Imposing, sometimes polarising and always revered, his legend is immeasurable, and he remains a pillar of Australian motorsport today as a media ambassador and presenter.

This unique and intimate illustrated autobiography recounts the thrills, heartbreaks and epic feats of an unparalleled racing career, on the track and behind the scenes. Featuring photos from his personal collection, a narrative as exciting as a Bathurst bend, and fascinating insights from those who know him best, Mark Skaife is the definitive account of the man behind the helmet.

Mark Skaife graduated from karts to racing cars in 1984 when he was just 17, and it was already clear that motorsport had a unique new talent. Mark went on to dominate Australian touring car racing for the next 30 years as an asset to the Holden Racing Team, winning five touring car championships, six Bathurst’s, and even surpassing Peter Brock’s record of 37 championship round victories.

Since officially retiring from racing in 2008, Mark has continued to devote himself to the sport – both behind the scenes and as a presenter. His decades of service were recognised with induction to the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2017. Mark lives with his wife Toni in Melbourne.

THE STATS – MARK SKAIFE OAM, AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORT LEGEND:

• 90 race wins
• 6 Bathurst 1000 race wins
• 5 Australian Touring Care Championship / V8 Supercars Championship wins
• 3 Australian Drivers’ Championship Wins
• All-time record for round/race wins in Australian Motorsport

Affirm Press | Publication & Embargo Date: 27 October 2020| $45 | Hardcover