Harry Bates fondly remembers being in awe of the late Peter Brock as he starred in multiple motorsport disciplines, but little did the Canberran know he'd be put in the same category as the ''King of the Mountain''.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 24-year-old rally star became the ninth driver to be awarded the prestigious Peter Brock Medal at the Confederation of Australian Motorsport awards on Saturday night.
It comes after Bates and co-driver John McCarthy claimed last year's Australian rally championship title, winning each of the five completed rounds in his Canberra-built Toyota Yaris AP4.
The co-drivers were presented their championship-winning trophy at the awards night, with Bates following in the footsteps of his legendary father Neal Bates.
Neal is a four-time winning Australian rally champion and received the Peter Brock Medal in 2014, an honour he now shares with his son.
"It's an honour because Brock is a motorsport hero in Australia. To even be put in the same category as some of the previous winners is amazing and something I never would have imagined when I started motorsport," a humbled Bates said.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
"There's only nine recipients so for both my dad and I to have it is pretty special. One of the award's criteria is the winner can showcase raw driving talent and versatility in their motorsport endeavors, rather than just being solely capable of competing in one category.
"That's something Peter Brock epitomised, he was talented behind the wheel of any car. So many people remember Peter Brock for being a nine-time Bathurst 1000 winner, but he's won so many different things in so many different cars.
"My whole family, we pride ourselves on being able to do the same to compete across multiple disciplines."
The Peter Brock medal was inaugurated in 2011 by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, awarded to drivers who show similar characteristics to the late Brock.
It also recognises distinguished driver ability and talent, as well as contribution to motorsport in the community.
The medal has previously been awarded to V8 Supercar drivers, the late Jason Richards and Brock's protege Craig Lowndes.
"To be mentioned in the same light as those people is incredible and you never expect yourself to be put in that league," Bates said.
Bates has tapped into circuit racing and challenging himself in the Bathurst 1000 or Bathurst 12 Hour race would fulfill another motorsport dream.
But first he'll focus on defending his title at the National Capital Rally in Canberra next month, the opening stage of this year's championship.
He's now had a chance to test the new control tyre from American brand Hoosier and feels confident heading into his home event.
"I'm extremely pleased the first round is my home rally and the goal is to defend my 2019 title," Bates said.
"We've had a couple of tests in the car with the new control tyres and they feel pretty good so far. Everyone is in the same boat."
AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Round one: National Capital Rally at Tidbinbilla Forest and Kowen Rally Village on March 21-22.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
