REMEMBER WHEN

Friday November 7, 2008 GOLD COAST BULLETIN

GOLD Coast business giant Craig Gore quit motor racing.

Speaking from a family holiday at Byron Bay, Mr Gore said he had an epiphany when he underwent lifesaving surgery in London in October 2008, forcing him to rethink life’s priorities.

“I was given a week to live before my operation, and that’s really changed my view of things,” he said.

“I would rather spend time with my kids than race cars.”

While on business in Britain in early October, the flamboyant businessman suffered a perforated bowel which required emergency surgery and saw him almost ruled out as a spectator at Indy only two weeks later.

Determined not to miss what was billed as the possible swan song for IndyCars in Surfers, he made a surprise appearance at Indy to support his Team Australia.

However, Mr Gore claimed that it the last Indy he would be involved in.

“I am considering myself retired from motorsport,’’ he said.

“I am so happy to be down at Byron Bay at the beach house and pleased not to be involved in it any more, with all the time and energy that went into it.’’

Earlier that year, Mr Gore also sold his two V8 Supercar licences, citing ‘personal business and health’ reasons, leaving IndyCars as his only remaining involvement in the motor racing world.

Mr Gore said he had discussed his decision to leave the industry with billionaire team co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven.

Ultimately the 2008 race proved to be the last Indy race.