I've been trying to figure out what I'd write about the loss of one of the most influential sportsmen in many of our lives.

I have run out of adjectives to describe the calibre of man he was both on and off the track.

Legend, Hero, Icon, Idol, Racing God ...  All of these have been used to promote the man and his ideals.  He had substance, he had charisma and he loved what he did.  That was evident as at the time of his death he was 61 years old and still going strong.

I watched him race the Mobil 500 on the Wellington waterfront twice in the mid to late 80s, I shook his hand in the pits as an eager 12 year old wanting so bad to be able to drive so I could race too.  I grew up in a Ford household but whether it was due to rebellion or sheer taste, I became a Holden fanatic.

He epitomised grace under fire and sheer determination, he was a fantastic role model not only for our boys Radisich and Murphy but for the general public.

His presence, his humanity and his piercing eyes and laughing smile will be greatly greatly missed.

Australia and NZ mourn the loss of one of the greatest racing hero's of our time.

2 inspirational men in one week ...  I have nothing more to say that hasn't been said already.

RIP Brocky, you will be missed.