The man who once tamed Mount Panorama with nerves of steel now sits quietly in a Melbourne care home, unable to recall the roar of crowds or the thrill of victory that once defined him.
Allan Moffat, the four-time Bathurst champion whose name echoes through Australian motorsport history, can no longer remember a single race he won.
It's a heartbreaking reality that strikes at the core of what makes us who we are—our memories, our achievements, our sense of self.
For Moffat's family and friends, watching this legend fade is almost unbearable. Yet their determination to preserve his legacy offers both inspiration and important lessons for all Australian families facing similar battles.
A legend whose achievements deserve remembering
To understand the magnitude of what dementia has stolen from Allan Moffat, you need to grasp just how extraordinary his career was. Over 24 years of racing, the Canadian-born driver who arrived in Australia as a teenager became one of our greatest sporting heroes.
Moffat won 32 of his 100 race starts between 1965 and 1989, claiming the Australian Touring Car Championship four times and winning both Bathurst and Sandown four times and six times respectively. He and his friend and arch rival Peter Brock are the only drivers to have won Bathurst in both its 500 mile and 1000 kilometre formats.
But numbers alone don't capture Moffat's impact. He brought a new level of business professionalism to motor racing, pioneering the use of sponsorship in a way that would change the sport forever. His iconic Coca-Cola Mustang and later Ford Falcons weren't just fast—they were rolling advertisements that helped transform Australian motorsport into the spectacle we know today.
'There are a number of guys who shone a spotlight on our sport, but Moffat took it to a new level'
The formation finish that defined a generation
The race that perhaps best exemplifies Moffat's brilliance is one he can no longer remember: the legendary 1977 Bathurst 1000. Ford officially returned in 1977, backing a two-car campaign spearheaded by Moffat and Ford convert Colin Bond. Together they blitzed the ATCC before orchestrating their famous and unprecedented 1-2 formation finish at Bathurst.
The 1-2 finish is Ford's most iconic Bathurst moment. What makes it even more remarkable is what Moffat revealed years later: 'I never talked about it for many months afterwards but when Colin and I came around on the last lap, no one realised that I had no brakes for the last 12 laps.'
Picture the skill required to navigate Mount Panorama's treacherous corners without brakes, all while orchestrating a formation finish with your teammate. It was the stuff of racing legend—the kind of moment that defines careers and captures imaginations across the country.
Allan Moffat's racing achievements
- 4 Australian Touring Car Championships (1973, 1976, 1977, 1983)
- 4 Bathurst 1000 victories (1970, 1971, 1973, 1977)
- 6 Sandown 500 wins across different decades
- 32 championship race victories from 100 starts
- First inductee into V8 Supercars Hall of Fame (1999)
- One of only two drivers to win Bathurst in both distance formats
When memory becomes the enemy
The cruel irony of dementia is how it attacks the very essence of who we are. For someone like Moffat, whose identity was built around precision, skill, and unforgettable moments, the disease represents the ultimate adversary.
'He called me one day when he couldn't find his car,' longtime friend Phil Grant told news.com.au, describing one of the first warning signs in 2016. What started as misplaced keys gradually escalated to something far more serious.
The progression followed a pattern many Australian families will recognise. Simple forgetfulness evolved into confusion about time and place. Grant recalls the restaurant incident: 'He was getting really aggressive because he was adamant they should be serving breakfast, even though it was 11pm. He genuinely thought it was the morning.'
Early warning signs of dementia to watch for
Frequently misplacing items like keys or glasses
Getting lost in familiar places
Confusion about time of day or date
Difficulty following conversations or finding words
Changes in mood or behaviour, particularly increased agitation
Trouble with familiar tasks like cooking or managing money
Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
If you notice these signs, speak to your GP promptly
The disease has now progressed to its most devastating stage. Grant, who once visited the nursing home five days a week, now manages just one. 'He hasn't been able to walk for 12 months and has now just about lost his speech. It is just a terrible disease.'
The importance of seeking help early
Fellow racing legend Larry Perkins played a crucial role in convincing Moffat to seek medical help when the signs first appeared. 'People were joking saying 'you must have dementia' when he forgot things but I don't think he took it seriously,' Perkins explained.
That initial resistance to acknowledging the problem is common, particularly among men of Moffat's generation who grew up valuing self-reliance above all else. But Perkins' persistence may have bought Moffat precious time with better quality of life.
'Don't go trying to hide it,' Perkins urged. 'The best thing you can do is go and see your doctor. I know Moff's life changed for the better once he did.'
Early diagnosis can make an enormous difference. While there's no cure for dementia, early intervention can help slow progression, manage symptoms, and allow families time to plan for the future. It also enables access to support services and helps ensure the person's wishes are respected while they can still express them.
Preserving a champion's legacy
What emerges most powerfully from Moffat's story is how his friends have rallied to ensure his legacy endures. Grant's dedication is particularly moving: 'There is nothing I can do for him except preserve the legacy of his name.'
Allan Moffat's contributions to motorsport were acknowledged in 1999 when he became the first inductee into the Supercars Hall of Fame. But perhaps more meaningfully, his influence continues through his son James, who races in the current Supercars championship, keeping the Moffat name alive on Australian racetracks.
The rivalry between Moffat and Peter Brock helped define an era of Australian motorsport. As Perkins noted: 'There would have been no Peter Brock without Allan Moffat. It was their fierce rivalry that helped put the sport on the map and caught the attention of the nation.'
Yet beyond the competition, there was deep mutual respect. 'Moff wasn't the sort of bloke that would tell you how good he was,' Perkins recalled. 'He was more than happy to play the role of the bad guy and let Brock be the good guy but the truth is you wouldn't find a better bloke.'
Resources and support for Australian families
For families facing similar challenges, Australia offers various support services. Dementia Australia, for which Moffat serves as an Ambassador, provides counselling, education programs, and practical support across the country. Their National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) offers free information and support 24 hours a day.
The organisation also runs support groups in major cities and regional centres, helping families navigate the complex emotions and practical challenges that come with a dementia diagnosis. Memory cafes, where people with dementia and their carers can socialise in a supportive environment, operate in many communities.
Government support through My Aged Care (1800 200 422) can help arrange in-home services, respite care, and eventually residential care when needed. The key is accessing these services early, before crisis points arise.
A champion's final race
Allan Moffat's battle with dementia reminds us that even our greatest champions face their toughest race off the track. While he may not remember the roar of engines or the weight of trophies, his impact on Australian motorsport remains indelible.
His story serves as both inspiration and warning: inspiration in how friends and family can rally to preserve what matters most, and warning about the importance of recognising early signs and seeking help promptly.
As Phil Grant continues his weekly visits, he's not just visiting a friend—he's protecting the memory of a legend for future generations of Australians who deserve to know about the man who helped define our motorsport heritage.
The champion may not remember his victories, but his victories remember him.
If you or a loved one are showing signs of memory problems, don't delay in seeking medical advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing dementia and maintaining quality of life. Have you had experiences with dementia in your family? Share your thoughts and advice for other families in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.news.com.au/sport/motor...1aed30c36437b2cd98793fd128b1f8?from=rss-basic
Allan Moffat | Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Cited text: Moffat was an icon of Australian touring car racing during one of its most competitive eras, the 1970s and 1980s, he won 32 of his 100 starts between ...
Excerpt: Moffat won 32 of his 100 race starts between 1965 and 1989, claiming the Australian Touring Car Championship four times and winning both Bathurst and Sandown four times and six times respectively.
https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/allan-moffat/
Allan Moffat | Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Cited text: He and his friend and arch rival Peter Brock are the only drivers to have won Bathurst in both its 500 mile and 1000 kilometre formats.
Excerpt: He and his friend and arch rival Peter Brock are the only drivers to have won Bathurst in both its 500 mile and 1000 kilometre formats.
https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/allan-moffat/
Allan Moffat | Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Cited text: He brought a new level of business professionalism to motor racing, pioneering the use of sponsorship in a way that would change the sport forever.
Excerpt: He brought a new level of business professionalism to motor racing, pioneering the use of sponsorship in a way that would change the sport forever.
https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/allan-moffat/
Allan Moffat: Australian Racing Legend | CarsGuide
Cited text: Ford officially returned in 1977, backing a two-car campaign spearheaded by Moffat and Ford convert Colin Bond. Together they blitzed the ATCC before ...
Excerpt: Ford officially returned in 1977, backing a two-car campaign spearheaded by Moffat and Ford convert Colin Bond.
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/allan-moffat-everything-you-need-to-know-74209
Allan Moffat: Australian Racing Legend | CarsGuide
Cited text: The 1-2 finish is Ford's most iconic Bathurst moment.
Excerpt: The 1-2 finish is Ford's most iconic Bathurst moment.
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/allan-moffat-everything-you-need-to-know-74209
Moffat—A titan of Australian Motorsport!
Cited text: He crossed the finish line in first position, despite a brake failure for the last dozen laps… “I never talked about it for many months afterwards but...
Excerpt: 'I never talked about it for many months afterwards but when Colin and I came around on the last lap, no one realised that I had no brakes for the last 12 laps.'
https://www.downies.com/blogs/news/moffat-a-titan-of-australian-motorsport
Moffat—A titan of Australian Motorsport!
Cited text: A lasting legacy… Allan Moffat’s contributions to motorsport were acknowledged in 1999 when he became the first inductee into the Supercars Hall of Fa...
Excerpt: Allan Moffat's contributions to motorsport were acknowledged in 1999 when he became the first inductee into the Supercars Hall of Fame.
https://www.downies.com/blogs/news/moffat-a-titan-of-australian-motorsport
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