Supercars driver Will Davison has paid a heartbreaking tribute as the motorsport community mourns former driver Dale Brede, who has died aged 48.
Brede primarily competed in the second-tier series in the early 2000s, finishing runner-up in 2002, while he also made several appearances in the Bathurst 1000.
He finished an impressive seventh in 2005 with Scottish veteran John Cleland despite starting 29th on the grid.
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Brede drove his final Supercars race at the following year’s Bathurst 1000, when tragedy struck his team.
His co-driver Mark Porter crashed during a second-tier race on Friday and succumbed to his injuries three days later.
Brede’s entry was almost withdrawn from the endurance classic out of respect for the injured Porter but were encouraged by his family to find another driver and continue.
After their race ended early due to a mechanical failure, Brede called time on his Supercars career to focus on business interests and other motorsport ventures.
He went on to run the factory Suzuki outfit in the Australian Superbike Championship and spent the past two years as a Movieworld stunt driver.
Davison, who drove with Brede in the 2004 Bathurst 1000, led a series of tributes and shared his pain that Brede would not meet his newborn son.
“I love you mate,” Davison wrote.
“Still shocked and heartbroken, we were only just chatting about how excited you were to meet Dash.
“I’ve been struggling with the reality of this post for days and haven’t quite processed the incredibly sad loss of one of my best mates Dale Brede.
“I feel honoured and truly lucky to have had you part of my life for over 20 years brother. You’ve enriched mine and so many others lives, we’ve had endless laughs and countless good times for a lifetime over.
“Kind, gentle, intelligent, witty, hilarious and always the life of the party. Always smiling in the eyes of so many! Talented on four wheels and also two. Supercar driver, Superbike team owner and competitor, people person, family man and businessman.
“Life won’t be the same without you here and we will miss you more than words. So long and until we meet again Breedy. All my love and thoughts are with Campbell, Jenny, Duncan and his family.”
Bathurst veteran Warren Luff said he hoped to finish on the podium alongside Davison this year to honour Brede.
“This week my world lost some of its light and laughter with the loss of my good mate Dale Brede,” Luff said.
“Breedy and I started out as competitors 20 years ago, but soon became great mates. For the last nearly two years we worked together at Movieworld as part of the stunt team.
“It still doesn’t seem real that he’s gone, but his memory and impact on so many will never be forgotten. Love ya buddy. RIP Breedy.”
Davison’s brother and fellow Supercars driver Alex wrote: “There is not a photo that exists of Dale without him showing his infectious smile. I can not remember a time when he didn’t look like this and wasn’t filling the room he was in with laughter and happiness. That is how I will remember him. Just devastated and so sad. RIP mate.”
Three-time Supercars champion turned IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin said: “Wow no way. Thinking of you guys (Davison) and his family.”
Supercars veteran Tony D’Alberto wrote: “Shocked myself…. Such a good man!”
Movieworld’s Showtime team mourned Brede with a series of images from their shows.
“This week has been a tough one for our team and me personally,” a post read.
“A great friend for more than 30 years and a work colleague for the past two. He was a special man and everyone who meet Dale had a great story to tell. I’ll miss you mate. Love you pal.”
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