Robbie Francevic, a legend in New Zealand motorsports, has passed away. The Auckland native was 84.
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Born in September 1941, Francevic made history. He became the first non-Australian driver to win the Australian Touring Car championship, which is now the Repco Supercars Championship.
Francevic began competing in the Australian series in 1985, and he quickly achieved success. He won two races in nine starts in 1985 while driving the Volvo 240 Turbo.
One year later, Francevic started all 10 races, and he won three of them in his Volvo. He captured the title, which remains the lone Volvo championship in series history.
The New Zealand native competed in the prestigious Bathurst 1000 six times between 1985-1990. He drove for multiple manufacturers and finished sixth with BMW in 1987.
RIP Robbie Francevic. pic.twitter.com/xrKzTzE8O4
— Nathan 😀👍 (@KensethFan17_20) July 6, 2026
Of course, Francevic achieved far more than winning the Australian Touring Car championship.
Back in the 1960s, he raced modified Fords. He won the 1967 New Zealand Saloon Car Championship. The 1970s featured him competing in Formula 5000 open-wheel events.
Francevic was inducted into the inaugural MotorSport New Zealand Wall of Fame in 1994. He joined several other drivers including Paul Radisich, Jim Richards, Steve Millen, Rod Millen, Bruce McLaren, Graham McRae, Denny Hulme, Ron Frost, Dr. Rodger Freeth, Peter "Possum" Bourne, George Begg, and Chris Amon.
"Robbie Francevic was one of the true legends of New Zealand motorsport," MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day said in a statement.
"He was an exceptional driver, a fierce competitor, and someone who showed that New Zealanders could take on the very best and win. His achievements here and across the Tasman inspired generations of Kiwi drivers, and his place in our sport's history is absolutely secure.
"On behalf of MotorSport New Zealand, our thoughts are with Robbie's family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a legacy we will continue to be proud of.
"His achievements, his character and his passion for racing will never be forgotten."
