Kiwi teen Brock Gilchrist was named after motor racing legend Peter Brock and now he fits into his suit. Photo / Doug Sheering
Kiwi teen Brock Gilchrist was named after motor racing legend Peter Brock and now he fits into his suit. Photo / Doug Sheering
When Brock Gilchrist was 3 months old, motor racing legend, and namesake, Peter Brock signed a poster for him with the message "Live your Dreams".
Since then, Brock has spent most of his time behind the wheel, whether it be a battery-powered Ford Bronco at 2, quad bikes at 4or go-karts at speeds of 80km/h at age 7.
Kiwi teen Brock Gilchrist was named after motor racing legend Peter Brock and now he fits into his suit. Photo / Doug Sheering
Australian race legend Peter Brock in his 1986 race suit. Photo / Supplied
Now 14, Gilchrist is not only living his dreams on the race track at Hampton Downs but he is now tall enough to fit into the Australian legend's race suit - a piece of memorabilia his dad, Brent Gilchrist, bought years ago.
"Race suits are a lot different now and they are a lot lighter and more comfortable."
Still too young to hold a NZ driver's licence, the Westlake Boys' High School student has worked his way up to speeds of close to 190km/h at Hampton Downs in tough races against much older and more experienced drivers.
Brock Gilchrist preparing to race in the Toyota 86 Championships at Hampton Downs. Photo / Ursula Gilchrist
This year Gilchrist joined the final two rounds of the prestigious Toyota 86 Championship, gaining valuable experience in a more powerful car.
Mum Ursula Gilchrist said it was an anxious time watching her boy race at such speed but she trusted his level head and said he was gaining skills and confidence with each race.
At just 14 Kiwi racer Brock Gilchrist has hit speeds of 190km/hr. Photo / Ursula Gilchrist
The time-consuming sport is great bonding time with the whole family, including 9-year-old sister Natalia, who is a regular supporter in the pit.
That family support and Brock's perseverance paid off this month when Brock won his first race at Hampton Downs in his gold BMW E30 - which has the number plate BrockG.
"He had only had six weekends of racing in the car so to see him come through and win his first race was ridiculously exciting and a bit overwhelming to be honest," Ursula Gilchrist said.
Kiwi teen Brock Gilchrist in his gold BMW E 30 at Hampton Downs. Photo / Supplied
Dad Brent was "thrilled, really ecstatic" at the win and was amazed how well his 14-year-old son had done against the 30 other drivers.
"Some of the guys are 50 years old and have raced in that series for five years," Brent said.
"After all of that he spent another hour at home on the simulator: that shows the dedication he has."
The family is now putting together a programme to allow Brock to compete in the full Toyota 86 Championship season in November.
Brock Gilchrist at racing legend Peter Brock's memorial at Bathhurst. Photo / Supplied
There is the car to secure but also specialised training such as physical exercise and hand-eye co-ordination activities to make sure Brock is race-fit.
Despite being too young to remember Peter Brock, who died in a hairpin corner crash in 2006, Brock holds the sportsman in high regard.
He went to Bathurst with his dad in 2016 and was in awe when he stood alongside the part of the Mt Panorama track named "Brock's Skyline".
The visit cemented Brock's future goals: the Australian Supercar Championship.
Brock Gilchrist at Brock's Skyline named after "King of the Mountain" Peter Brock at Mt Panorama, Bathurst. Photo / Supplied
"That was a huge moment for us and Brock was blown away when he stood up there," Brent said.
