Post Race Exhibition
After the race, McRae was awarded the Lex Davison Trophy for winning from five time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, stating in his short victory speech that meeting Fangio was a greater honor than having won his 3rd AGP. Following this, Fangio, Australia's three time world champ, Jack Brabham, Bob Jane driving a Masarati and former racer turned Holden dealer Bill Patterson driving a Cooper, had a spirited three lap demonstration/race with Fangio and Brabham clearing out and swapping the lead many times. Fangio was driving one of his old Mercedes-Benz W196's while Brabham (not yet Sir Jack) drove his own 1966 championship winning, Repco powered Brabham BT19, with Brabham 'winning' the demonstration, just ahead of Fangio with Patterson and Jane a long way behind in 3rd and 4th.
The 67 year old Fangio had stated in an interview prior to the meeting that he wasn't there to demonstrate his World Championship winning Mercedes, he was there to race it. The great man also intended to drive in a t-shirt like he had in his Formula One days but had to conform to safety regulations about uncovered body parts and wore a full set of white overalls, though he was permitted to use his old racing helmet and goggles.
The fastest lap was a 1:21.6 by Jack Brabham, almost 20 seconds slower than McRae's fastest lap for the Grand Prix.
Read more about this topic: 1978 Australian Grand Prix
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