Max Stewart
Malcolm Clarke Stewart (14 March 1935[1] in Orange, New South Wales – 19 March 1977 at Calder Park Raceway, Victoria) was an Australian racecar driver. Known as the Jolly Green Giant from his disposition and height.
Stewart began his motorsport career racing motorcycles, being selected to represent Australia at the 1955 Isle of Man TT, but withdrew due to work commitments. After racing Karts and touring cars he moved to open wheelers in 1965, with much success, leading to him being selected for Alex Mildren team, first to race a 1.6 litre F2 car and then in 1970 a 2-litre Waggot powered car which he ran strongly in the 1970 Tasman series with a number of podiums and finished 2nd to his world champion namesake in the Japanese formula libre GP. After racing a Lola T330, he developed an initially troublesome Lola T400 to be the fastest version of the LT400 in Australia and possibly the world, peaking with wins in the 1974 and 1975 Australian Grand Prix,[2] and leading the 1976 Australian GP from Schuppan and Goss until he retired a few laps from the end.
He also won the Singapore Grand Prix in 1972 and the Toby Lee Formula 5000 Series in 1975.
Max Stewart lost his life while practicing at Calder Park Raceway in a Formula 5000 car.[3]
Career results
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Leo Geoghegan |
Winner of the Australian Drivers' Championship 1971 |
Succeeded by Frank Matich |
| Preceded by Frank Matich |
Winner of the Australian Drivers' Championship 1974 |
Succeeded by John McCormack |
| Preceded by Graeme McRae |
Winner of the Australian Grand Prix 1974 and 1975 |
Succeeded by John Goss |