Tributes flow for drifter Levi Clarke after battle with brain cancer

Tributes have flowed for a popular member of the drifting community in Australia, as a GoFundMe has been launched to support his family’s future.

One of Australia's top drifters Levi Clarke has died after a battle with brain cancer. Picture: GoFundMe

Australia’s drifting community is mourning after the death of well-known driver Levi Clarke after a long battle with cancer.

A GoFundMe page has been launched after his death early on July 8, with his family by his side.

Mr Clarke was one of Australia’s top drifters and was a member of the Exedy Drift Team.

His talent was also showcased in the latest edition of Supercheap Auto’s viral Best Performing Oils video, which was posted four days before his passing.

His partner Kristi Clarke paid tribute to him on Instagram, thanking him for showing her “what true love is”.

Levi Clarke has died after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Picture: Instagram

“Our beautiful Levi lost his battle in the early hours of the 8th of July, after two long years of fighting against brain cancer, he gave it everything he had and fought so fiercely, like only Levi would,” she posted to Instagram.

“My heart is broken knowing I won’t see his cheeky smile in the mornings, hear his silly high-pitched laugh, stare into his piercing blue eyes, or see him do what he loves most - putting cars sideways.

“But Taj and I will forever look for our ‘Daddy Star.’

“Thank you for showing me what true love is.”

Levi Clarke's wife Kristi Clarke posted this photo in tribute to her late husband. Picture: Instagram

Fellow drifter Matt Mingay posted on social media that he was “deeply devastated” following the loss of his friend.

“We are deeply DEVASTATED!! The terrible loss to the world, the OG LEGEND,” he posted.

“Levi battled hard core to the dreaded cancer over the last 2 years and we all lost the GOAT of Aussie Drifting 2 days ago. RIP LEVI CLARKE, you will never be forgotten!”

Motoring personality and social media influencer Troy ‘Candy’ Williams labelled Mr Clarke an “absolute gentlemen” [sic].

“Was always an absolute gentlemen [sic], rest in peace bro,” Mr Williams commented.

Levi Clarke's hot-rod. Picture: GoFundMe

Mr Clarke was diagnosed with Stage 4 Mutant Astrocytoma on August 9, 2022 and underwent brain surgery two days later to remove the tumour.

While the removal of the tumour provided a level of relief, Mr Clarke was told that this type of tumour was fast-growing, spreads throughout the brain, is aggressive and prognosis is between two to five years.

Post-surgery, Mr Clarke underwent 33 sessions of radiation and approximately 18 months of chemotherapy, all while running a business, working full time as well as taking care of his son Taj.

He married his wife Kristi, continued with national drifting events, and built a hot-rod.

During all of this, Mr Clarke’s treatment continued with the chemotherapy, steroids and several other medications and immunotherapy, all while having three-monthly hospital appointments and MRIs to try and manage the pain, swelling and growth of the tumour.

Levi Clarke when he married his wife Kristi Clarke. Picture: GoFundMe

The most recent scan in May provided devastating news - the tumour had grown significantly, as well as the visibility of a new growth.

They were told it was now inoperable and they would be looking towards palliative care.

Mr Clarke shared the devastating news on Instagram.

“When life hands you lemons, burn some rubber,” he posted.

“Long story short - My cancer has returned, it’s not good, and I’m angry! Painting the driveway felt pretty bloody great, though.

“Brain cancer has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but I haven’t let it define me or stop me from chasing my dreams.”

His symptoms progressed and his speech was significantly impacted. He experienced extreme fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and migraines.

In the days before his passing, a GoFundMe fundraising campaign was established to support his family’s future.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $97,000 since it was created three days ago.