Coolest Guy On The Planet – Possum Bourne
In an earlier post I payed tribute to one of the greatest racing legends, World Rally Champion Possum Bourne. While I was in New Zealand (south Island) I went to Wanika and to the Cardrona snow fields. Driving up the narrow winding road with shear drop off’s you can see the life size bronze statue of Possum Bourne, with his hands on his hips surveying the countryside from on top of skyline. This is where Possum was involved in the car crash while preparing for the “Race to the Sky” on April 18 2003, that would ultimately end his life.
Peter Bourne earned his famous nickname (Possum) by swerving to avoid a possum, but made his name when he turned sliding into an art form.
This was to have been Possum Bourne’s greatest year as he launched his own Subaru team to contest the World Production Car Championship.
At 47 years old the New Zealander, Possum Bourne was Australasia’s most successful rally driver with seven national titles and in my book one of the Coolest Guys On The Planet . had passed away in Dunedin Hospital, after laying in a coma since his April 18 car crash.
R.I.P Peter
My photo of this statue did not turn out so this one is courtesy of Paul Roberts.
