Peter Brock (1945 - 2006)
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Peter Brock is an amazing man . A dead-set legend racing car driver – without a doubt one of Australia's most recognisable sporting stars – he's a vegan, a loving family man ... and one hot-looking dude! My mother-in-law, when informed that I was interviewing Peter, emailed me with the words "Peter Brock???!!! YUM!!!!"
I don't know much about cars, racing or otherwise, I just know that you put petrol in the little hole in the side and the aerial must be up to properly receive my favourite radio station, Triple J. But I do know that Peter Brock is a true champion. He's a quiet, reserved gentleman and I'm happy to say that he's another strong voice for the animals. Go Brocky!!!!!
Here are some Peter Brock facts:
- Won the Bathurst 1000 a record 9 times being dubbed "King of the Mountain"
- Nicknames include "Brocky" and "Peter Perfect"
- Has achieved more pole positions and race victories than any other driver since the inception of the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1960
- Awarded Australia Medal in 1980 in recognition of his contribution to motor sport and road safety
- He retired from motor sport in 1997
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Interview by June Bird, July 2000.
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| June: |
You look fantastic Peter ... so when did you stop eating animals? |
| Peter: |
I cut out meat approximately 10 years ago and dairy about 5 years ago. |
| June: |
Experienced any problems? |
| Peter: |
Only when travelling overseas. |
| June: |
What made you decide to pull the plug on the meat and dairy? |
| Peter: |
I desired the feeling of being healthy so that I could get the best out of my body. |
| June: |
What made you realise that animals deserve the same respect as humans? |
| Peter: |
Being raised on a farm – one automatically cares for all life and the balance of nature. |
| June: |
Hmmm ... sometimes I found the opposite to be true – people who live and work on farms often become desensitised to animals suffering. |
| June: |
Did people deride your decision to become a vegan? |
| Peter: |
It was never significant to me what others thoughts – that's their business. |
| June: |
What about Mrs Brock and the Brocksters? |
| Peter: |
My wife (Home Economist, Nutritionist, Science Teacher) is also vegan, two of our children are vegetarians and one eats meat. |
| June: |
Do you think people have taken notice of the way you have chosen to live your life? |
| Peter: |
People seem to respect my choices – their comments usually relate to how well I look. |
| June: |
What sort of things do you like to munch on Peter? |
| Peter: |
I like to eat fresh, organic, non processed foods. I love home made pizza using soy products. There's some great 'NOT' products on the Australian market – one of them I especially like is called 'NOT BACON'. I also enjoy pasta dishes, tofu dishes, salads, fresh vegetables, fruit and fresh fruit juices. |
| June: |
When you're travelling, as I know you do a lot Peter – what's the secret with finding decent food? |
| Peter: |
Travelling and being vegan is sometimes hard. Israel was fantastic – wonderful food, a great place. America is very difficult; getting good food is a problem as health issues are not a high priority there it seems. |
| June: |
Are you a good cook? |
| Peter: |
No. |
| June: |
Oh well, I suppose if I had your gorgeous wife cooking up a vegan storm for me, I'd be out in the garage too, fiddling with cam shafts awaiting the dinner bell ! |
| June: |
What about at posh 'do's' – which you probably have to attend a lot of – and friends' barbecues – are you well catered for? |
| Peter: |
At many functions I am given plates of lettuce and little else! There is a poor understanding of what constitutes being vegetarian or vegan. And as for barbecues – my life does not allow for many social outings with friends. |
Some pictures of Brocky doing what he did best, including his famous "05" Holden.
| June: |
Are you hanging onto any leather or feather gear Peter?! |
| Peter: |
The use of leather or feathers is like everything else – I believe that complete respect for the origin of anything is essential. The Earth is a living entity – so removing minerals, ground water – anything – is comparable to the use of anything else. Once again, we could take a leaf out of the book of the North American Indians or the Australian aboriginal. |
| June: |
Yes, the indigenous people of most old cultures respected where their food came from – but in these times most people don't think about it at all. |
| June: |
As a supposedly civilised society we've just got to stamp out rodeos, circuses with animals and factory farming etc – what's your thoughts here Peter? |
| Peter: |
Of course there are less than satisfactory situations in all areas – it's all to do with a lack of respect for life in general – for example, even the poisoning of ants or mice. I always promote respect for all of creation. |
| June: |
Is there one particular area of animal exploitation that you find particularly disturbing? |
| Peter: |
Eating them! |
| June: |
Have you encouraged others to eat a vegan diet? |
| Peter: |
Sometimes for those who eat meat at our table. |
| June: |
Are you a vitamin taker Peter? |
| Peter: |
Yes, when my lifestyle demands it – for example in times of high activity, stress etc, I require additional nutrients. |
| June: |
Do you have any adoring animals in the Brock household? |
| Peter: |
Yes, we have five Border Collies, they're beautiful, faithful hounds. |
| June: |
Do you think you've influenced a few people to go THE VEGO WAY?! |
| Peter: |
I'd rather be a quiet example rather than try to brow beat anyone into anything. |
| June: |
I prefer sledgehammers myself ....... ! |
| June: |
And finally – what is 'The Peter Brock Philosophy'? |
| Peter: |
RESPECT – RESPECT YOURSELF FIRST AND ONLY THEN CAN YOU RESPECT EVERYTHING ELSE!!! |
| June: |
Right on ... what he said!!! Thank you very much Peter – you're a great Aussie and a true inspiration. |
Written by June Bird
Friday, 05 September 2008
- Updated Friday, 05 September 2008
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