Racing legend Bob Jane has passed away at the age of 88

He is the Aussie race car legend whose face is instantly recognisable all over the country from the billboards outside of his tyre businesses, but Bob Jane sadly passed away on Friday at the age of 88.

In a family statement, released via the AAP, his children Courtney, Charlotte and Robert paid tribute to their “loving dad”, confirming he had passed away following a long battle with prostate cancer.

“After a long and brave fight with prostate cancer, he passed away last evening at 88 years of age, surrounded by his loving family,” the moving statement read.

“It was our privilege to have had him as our dad, whom we loved and cherished. We will miss him deeply and he will forever be in our hearts.

“Whilst dad was an Australian icon and champion of the community, most importantly to us he was our loving dad.”

Family statement on the passing of Bob Jane. #7News pic.twitter.com/URD7fwDGy5

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) September 29, 2018

Despite his iconic history as a race car champion, Jane made headlines in recent years due to the ongoing financial feud with his other son Rodney Jane, who was not mentioned in the family’s statement.

In 2016, Bob was forced to file for bankruptcy after struggling to pay off a huge amount of debt that the motorsport champion had racked up during the bitter dispute with Rodney, who took over the family’s iconic tyre business in 2006. 

The pair had been fighting for control of the family’s wealth for several years, with Jane Sr launching several unsuccessful court actions. He resigned as the chairman of T-marts in 2011, citing difficulties in the relationship with his son.

Do you remember watching Bob Jane race? Do you have a message for his family at this sad time?