Brabham BT62 to honour Dan Gurney at Laguna Seca

The first US appearance of the track-only Brabham Automotive BT62 supercar is set to take place at Laguna Seca (now known as WeatherTech Raceway) during Monterey Car Week.

The car that is shown will be one of the 35 special liveried cars that draw from Brabham’s 35 F1 victories, though in this case it’s particularly poignant.

Finished in green and gold (a nod to Brabham’s Aussie roots) with a number ‘22’, the car pays tribute to the late Dan Gurney, specifically for his 1964 F1 victory at the French Grand Prix in a green and gold Brabham BT7.

Gurney’s win in that race was the first time an F1 Grand Prix had been won by a driver in a Brabham car.

Brabham says Gurney was the racer ‘Sir Jack’ chose for his ‘fledgling Brabham racing team back in 1963.’

Gurney’s passing in January marked the end of a long life full of spectacular motorsport achievements, including the creation of the Gurney Flap, a simple downforce-generating lip for rear wings still used today.

Speaking more generally, Brabham Auto managing director David Brabham says the family’s connection with the USA is still very important today.

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“I’ve enjoyed great success in the United States over the course of my racing career, as did my father, Sir Jack, and brother Geoff Brabham, who is a member of the Motorsport Hall of Fame of America.

“As a country, the US holds great significance for the family, and continued importance for the Brabham racing dynasty, and we’re proud to be showcasing the car to the world’s most discerning motoring enthusiasts at Monterey Car Week.”

The first US customers for the Brabham BT62 have begun to sign up for their own build slots, as the Gurney-inspired BT62 makes its way around the Monterey area during Car Week.