Kevin Bartlett: The Versatile Australian Racing Legend

Australian motor racing has produced many celebrated drivers, but few demonstrated the versatility and determination of Kevin Bartlett. Known throughout the racing community as "KB," Bartlett succeeded in everything from single-seaters and Formula 5000 machinery to powerful touring cars.

From a Morris Minor to the National Stage

Born in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, in 1940, Bartlett began racing in the late 1950s behind the wheel of a Morris Minor. His natural speed soon attracted the attention of former Australian champion and team owner Alec Mildren, who gave him an opportunity to compete in single-seater racing.

Bartlett quickly established himself as one of Australia's most gifted drivers. Although his tall, solid build was considered unusual for an open-wheel racer, he had the precision, courage and mechanical understanding required to push almost any car to its limit.

Mastering Mount Panorama

One of Bartlett's most significant achievements came at Mount Panorama in 1967. Driving a Repco Brabham-Climax, he became the first driver to average more than 100 mph around a lap of the demanding Bathurst circuit.

It was an extraordinary accomplishment at a time when Mount Panorama was lined with trees, fences and unforgiving roadside obstacles. Modern safety barriers and generous run-off areas did not exist, making Bartlett's record a striking demonstration of both speed and bravery.

Two-Time Australian Gold Star Champion

Bartlett reached the top of Australian open-wheel racing by winning the Australian Drivers' Championship, commonly called the Gold Star, in both 1968 and 1969. These consecutive titles confirmed his position among the country's elite drivers.

His talent also took him overseas. In 1969, he won the Macau Grand Prix, competing in the Formula Libre era of the event. He later raced in Formula 5000 and attempted to qualify for the 1970 Indianapolis 500, although he did not make the starting field.

Bathurst 1000 Glory

Despite his success in open-wheel competition, Bartlett was equally capable in touring cars. His greatest touring-car victory came in the 1974 Bathurst 1000, where he shared a Ford Falcon XA GT with John Goss.

The race was held in difficult, wet conditions that tested the concentration of every driver. Goss and Bartlett managed the powerful Falcon through the rain to claim one of Australian motorsport's most prestigious victories. The result showed that Bartlett could adapt his driving style to very different cars and racing conditions.

The Famous Chevrolet Camaro

Bartlett later became closely associated with a striking Chevrolet Camaro Z28, often remembered for its Channel Nine colours. The large American coupe was spectacular but challenging, particularly when competing against newer and more agile machinery.

At the 1982 Bathurst 1000, Bartlett suffered a dramatic accident when the Camaro rolled after a tyre failure. The crash became one of the most memorable incidents in the race's history. Although the car was badly damaged, Bartlett escaped and continued to be respected for his resilience.

A Lasting Motorsport Legacy

Bartlett's career was remarkable because he refused to be defined by one category. He could race an open-wheeler with finesse, control a Formula 5000 car's enormous power and wrestle a heavy touring car around Mount Panorama.

His accomplishments include:

Australian Drivers' Champion in 1968 and 1969.
Macau Grand Prix winner in 1969.
Bathurst 1000 winner with John Goss in 1974.
First driver to average 100 mph around Mount Panorama in 1967.
Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame inductee in 2017.

Kevin Bartlett belongs among Australia's finest racing drivers. More than his trophies and records, he is remembered for his adaptability, determination and willingness to compete in some of the most demanding cars of his generation. His career captures the spirit of an era when drivers regularly crossed between categories and relied on courage, instinct and mechanical sympathy to succeed.