Graham Parsons set fastest lap against Brock and Moffat at Symmons Plains

The motorsport world is paying tribute to Tasmanian driver Graham Parsons who raced against legends such as Peter Brock and Alan Moffat.

TASMANIAN driver Graham Parsons is being remembered as a “one of a kind” bloke who raced against motorsport royalty.

“Sadly the finish flag has fallen for Tasmanian motorsport legend Graham Parsons in the North West Regional Hospital,” the Historic Racing Car Club of Tasmania said in a tribute.

“Hailing from Tasmania’s North West, Graham raced a much-repaired Ford Cortina at Longford and other circuits during the 1960s.

“He moved onto a Torana XU1 and later a Torana L34.”

It was in the L34 that Parson gained national fame.

At the touring car round at Symmons Plains in 1976, Parsons was racing against motorsport royalty, Peter Brock and Alan Moffat.

“Graham toddled along in his largely unsponsored car and put it on the front row of the grid next to Colin Bond, the historic car club said.

Graham Parsons and Peter Brock 1976

“He raced away when the race started but his fairytale drive came to an end when his brakes failed.”

After 40 laps he finished seventh but did notch up the fastest lap honour.

“It was a fitting tribute last year that Graham was inducted into the Tasmanian Motorsport Hall of fame on the same day as his son David “Skippy” Parsons,” the club said.

“RIP Graham you were one of a kind.”