Barry Seton, an Australian racing icon known as "Bo," has died at the age of 89, per Supercars.
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Seton, the 1965 Bathurst 500 winner, passed away on Friday, closing the chapter on one of Australian motorsport's most respected careers. His story was never just about wins. It was about toughness, longevity, and a deep connection to the sport.
He overcame polio as a child and still went on to make 22 consecutive starts at Bathurst from 1963 to 1984, finishing 15 of them. That alone tells you plenty.
His breakthrough came in 1965 alongside co-driver Midge Bosworth. The pair won the Armstrong 500 in a Ford Cortina GT500, a race remembered for both grit and endurance. They ran the entire distance on one set of tires. At one point, Seton needed medical attention mid-race before returning to the car and helping seal the win.
From there, he built a reputation as one of the best in the 3-litre class. He became closely tied to the Ford Capri, winning Bathurst class titles in 1976, 1977, and 1980 with longtime co-driver Don Smith. Seton didn't just drive those cars. He built and prepared them himself.
Family became part of the story, too. His son, Glenn Seton, joined him at Bathurst in 1983. The race ended in heartbreak with a mechanical failure, but it marked a passing of the torch. Glenn later became a champion in his own right.
Even after stepping away from driving, Seton stayed in the game as an engine builder and mentor, playing a key role behind the scenes for years.
His legacy also lives on through his grandson, Aaron Seton, giving the family three generations at Bathurst and a combined 50 starts.
