Royal Australian Mint honors Jack Brabham

Just over 50 years since Jack Brabham won his third Formula 1 title in 1966, the Royal Australian Mint has honored Brabham's contribution to motor racing with the release of a special commemorative coin.

Featuring the racecar in which Brabham became the one and only Formula 1 driver to win a world championship in a car of his own construction, the coin also depicts a portrait of Brabham and a green and gold track, the colors of his original car.

"Sir Jack Brabham was not only a superb racing car driver but he was also an innovative engineer and pioneer, paving the way forward for motorsports," said Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid.

"As we enter the 2017 Formula 1 season, this coin celebrates one of the world's motor racing greats and his remarkable achievements, on and off the track."

Brabham's youngest son, David, said it was rewarding to see his father's life and influence on motor racing being recognized on the special 50-cent coin.

"To have our father recognized through a commemorative coin by an iconic national institution, the Royal Australian Mint, is really special and very important in carrying the Brabham legacy as my father's achievements are likely to never be repeated with today's technology replacing hands-on experience," he said.

"This coin encourages us all to share the Brabham legacy and recognize what is possible if you put your heart, soul and mind into it just like Jack, a pioneer of his time."

In this video, Brabham's widow Margaret and eldest son to his first wife Geoff Brabham visited the Victorian Historic Racing Register's Sir Jack Brabham Annexe that houses his 1966 car and trophies and reflected on his achievements and what this commemorative coin means to the family.