Saints Alive > Celebrity Interviews

Peter Brock is an amazing man. A dead-set legend racing car driver – without a doubt one of Australia's most recognisable sporting stars – he's a vegan, a loving family man ... and one hot-looking dude! My mother-in-law, when informed that I was interviewing Peter, emailed me with the words "Peter Brock???!!! YUM!!!!"

I don't know much about cars, racing or otherwise, I just know that you put petrol in the little hole in the side and the aerial must be up to properly receive my favourite radio station, Triple J. But I do know that Peter Brock is a true champion. He's a quiet, reserved gentleman and I'm happy to say that he's another strong voice for the animals. Go Brocky!!!!!

Here are some Peter Brock facts:

  • Won the Bathurst 1000 a record 9 times being dubbed "King of the Mountain"
  • Nicknames include "Brocky" and "Peter Perfect"
  • Has achieved more pole positions and race victories than any other driver since the inception of the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1960
  • Awarded Australia Medal in 1980 in recognition of his contribution to motor sport and road safety
  • He retired from motor sport in 1997
 

Interview by June Bird, July 2000.

June: You look fantastic Peter ... so when did you stop eating animals?
Peter: I cut out meat approximately 10 years ago and dairy about 5 years ago.
June: Experienced any problems?
Peter: Only when travelling overseas.
June: What made you decide to pull the plug on the meat and dairy?
Peter: I desired the feeling of being healthy so that I could get the best out of my body.
June: What made you realise that animals deserve the same respect as humans?
Peter: Being raised on a farm – one automatically cares for all life and the balance of nature.
June: Hmmm ... sometimes I found the opposite to be true – people who live and work on farms often become desensitised to animals suffering.
June: Did people deride your decision to become a vegan?
Peter: It was never significant to me what others thoughts – that's their business.
June: What about Mrs Brock and the Brocksters?
Peter: My wife (Home Economist, Nutritionist, Science Teacher) is also vegan, two of our children are vegetarians and one eats meat.
June: Do you think people have taken notice of the way you have chosen to live your life?
Peter: People seem to respect my choices – their comments usually relate to how well I look.
June: What sort of things do you like to munch on Peter?
Peter: I like to eat fresh, organic, non processed foods. I love home made pizza using soy products. There's some great 'NOT' products on the Australian market – one of them I especially like is called 'NOT BACON'. I also enjoy pasta dishes, tofu dishes, salads, fresh vegetables, fruit and fresh fruit juices.
June: When you're travelling, as I know you do a lot Peter – what's the secret with finding decent food?
Peter: Travelling and being vegan is sometimes hard. Israel was fantastic – wonderful food, a great place. America is very difficult; getting good food is a problem as health issues are not a high priority there it seems.
June: Are you a good cook?
Peter: No.
June: Oh well, I suppose if I had your gorgeous wife cooking up a vegan storm for me, I'd be out in the garage too, fiddling with cam shafts awaiting the dinner bell !
June: What about at posh 'do's' – which you probably have to attend a lot of – and friends' barbecues – are you well catered for?
Peter: At many functions I am given plates of lettuce and little else! There is a poor understanding of what constitutes being vegetarian or vegan. And as for barbecues – my life does not allow for many social outings with friends.

Some pictures of Brocky doing what he did best, including his famous "05" Holden.

June: Are you hanging onto any leather or feather gear Peter?!
Peter: The use of leather or feathers is like everything else – I believe that complete respect for the origin of anything is essential. The Earth is a living entity – so removing minerals, ground water – anything – is comparable to the use of anything else. Once again, we could take a leaf out of the book of the North American Indians or the Australian aboriginal.
June: Yes, the indigenous people of most old cultures respected where their food came from – but in these times most people don't think about it at all.
June: As a supposedly civilised society we've just got to stamp out rodeos, circuses with animals and factory farming etc – what's your thoughts here Peter?
Peter: Of course there are less than satisfactory situations in all areas – it's all to do with a lack of respect for life in general – for example, even the poisoning of ants or mice. I always promote respect for all of creation.
June: Is there one particular area of animal exploitation that you find particularly disturbing?
Peter: Eating them!
June: Have you encouraged others to eat a vegan diet?
Peter: Sometimes for those who eat meat at our table.
June: Are you a vitamin taker Peter?
Peter: Yes, when my lifestyle demands it – for example in times of high activity, stress etc, I require additional nutrients.
June: Do you have any adoring animals in the Brock household?
Peter: Yes, we have five Border Collies, they're beautiful, faithful hounds.
June: Do you think you've influenced a few people to go THE VEGO WAY?!
Peter: I'd rather be a quiet example rather than try to brow beat anyone into anything.
June: I prefer sledgehammers myself ....... !
June: And finally – what is 'The Peter Brock Philosophy'?
Peter: RESPECT – RESPECT YOURSELF FIRST AND ONLY THEN CAN YOU RESPECT EVERYTHING ELSE!!!
June: Right on ... what he said!!! Thank you very much Peter – you're a great Aussie and a true inspiration.