DVD Review: "Brock: Back to Bathurst"

hero image

Brock: Back to Bathurst

All were saddened and many were in disbelief at how the man who's conquered Mt Panorama nine times (Ten if you count the Bathurst 24 Hour) could tragically lose his life doing something that he's an acknowledged master at.
January 1, 2007 9:04 AM AWDT
The death of Peter Brock this past September while competing in the Targa West Rally was as sudden as it was unexpected. Most were shocked. All were saddened and many were in disbelief at how the man who's conquered Mt Panorama nine times (Ten if you count the Bathurst 24 Hour) could tragically lose his life doing something that he's an acknowledged master at.

DVD Review: "Brock: Back to Bathurst"

The untimely passing of Brock has brought a flood of media attention to his incredible record of motor racing achievements. However, amongst the Round Australia Trials, overseas racing ventures, Australian Touring Car championships and the aforementioned nine Bathurst victories, Brock's 'comeback' tilt at a tenth Bathurst 1000 victory in 2002 has received little attention - until now. Brock: Back to Bathurst, a recently released DVD from Umbrella Entertainment, follows the 2002 campaign of 'Team Brock' in intimate detail. From the decision to come out of retirement; the commitment to race at Bathurst; assembling the team; press calls; even signwriting the racecar - the cameras are there for every step of the journey - and that's before Brock and his crew even set off for Bathurst! If you're after a brief, but thorough primer on Brock's racing background up to 2002, Brock: Back to Bathurst has that covered, as well, a lot of it delivered by the man himself.

Brock talks about early days in Hurstbridge, racing the now famous (and recently-recovered) Austin 7 and much more, including footage from the 2002 targa tasmania featuring Brock in the mighty Monaro. While most of this material will be familiar to Brock fans, the coverage of Team Brock's assault on the 2002 Bathurst 1000 wouldn't be. A good portion of this documentary - which runs almost 3 hours total - is devoted to a 'fly on the wall' view of Team Brock's trials and tribulations at the 2002 Bathurst race. Remember, this was back in the days before the comprehensive new pit complex was built. The old secondary pit area is an eye-opener in itself! Brock, co-driver Craig Baird, then partner Bev, son James and team personnel are all interviewed over the course of the weekend, including during the race's dramatic moments, giving a unique insight into the drama of Bathurst as well as how the team have to think on their feet to work around problems.

The fans - and there are lots of them! - are interviewed, too. Their devotion to the 'King of the Mountain' is probably greater than Brock's devotion to the mountain himself. Brock: Back to Bathurst follows the frustrations of a team that's under-resourced, with a car that's underdeveloped on a circuit that's definitely unforgiving! Bathurst fans may already know how the 2002 campaign ended, but seeing how Team Brock actually arrived at that result makes for some truly fascinating viewing. If you're a fan of the 'King of the Mountain', this is definitely one to add to your DVD collection. The ideal Christmas gift for the Brock devotee in your family (or even yourself!), Brock: Back to Bathurst is now available through Sanity and JB Hi Fi outlets Australia wide. Running Time: 189 minutes. Rated: PG. RRP $19.99.

Distributed by Umbrella Entertainment

www.umbrellaent.com.au

Advertisement
Advertisement

You may also like