Frank Gardner

Francis Alexander 'Frank' Gardner OAM (1 October 1930 - 29 August 2009): Australian racing driver from Sydney who competed in Formula One from 1964 to 1968, becoming the sixth Australian to drive in F1. Before moving to Europe, owned a Mobilgas service station in Avalon on Sydney's northern beaches while successfully racing Jaguar XK120s, a C-Type (XKC037), and D-Type (XKD520) in Australian motorsport. Sailed to England in late 1958 to pursue his international racing ambitions. Won his class at the 1961 24 Hours of Le Mans sharing a works Lotus Elite with David Hobbs, demonstrating his endurance racing capabilities.

Made eight Formula One World Championship GP starts in 1964 and 1965, competing for Brabham with modest results, though he entered but failed to qualify for the 1968 Italian Grand Prix. While his Formula One career was limited, Gardner achieved extraordinary success in touring car racing, particularly in the British Saloon Car Championship (predecessor to the British Touring Car Championship). Won the British Saloon Car Championship three times—in 1967, 1968, and 1973—becoming the first Australian to win the championship and the first driver to claim three titles in the series, establishing him as one of touring car racing's dominant forces during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Also competed successfully in the American Trans-Am Series in 1966, demonstrating his versatility across different racing disciplines and continents.

In the Australian Grand Prix, finished second twice—in 1966 at Lakeside behind Graham Hill and in 1972 at Sandown behind Graham McRae, competing against some of the world's best drivers on home soil. Gardner's 30-year racing career started and finished in Australia, but for more than half that time he was based in England, becoming a familiar sight at major European events through the 1960s and early 1970s. Appointed Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to motorsport. Inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements, particularly his dominance of British touring car racing.

Passed away on 29 August 2009 at age 78. Remembered as one of Australia's most successful international racing drivers, whose touring car championships far exceeded his Formula One achievements.