Tributes pour in for 'Peter Perfect'

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peter Brock's death," Howard told reporters in Sydney. "It's been a pretty sad week for Australia ... and Brocky will be very sadly missed."

Opposition leader Kim Beazley echoed the prime minister's sentiments.

"Peter Brock was an example off the track to aspiring race car drivers, enthusiasts and all Australians with his humility, professionalism and passion," he said.

"Never has a moniker more aptly described an Australian hero than 'Peter Perfect'.

"My deepest sympathies go to Peter's family, friends and colleagues at this time of their terrible loss.

"Like all Australians, I have admired Peter Brock for many years, and I know his passing will deeply affect our nation."

Steve Bracks, Premier of Brock's home state Victoria, praised the multiple Bathurst winner's commitment to promoting road safety issues through his motorsport achievements.

"In the 1970s and 1980s - in an era when Victoria's road toll peaked at more than 1000 deaths a year - Peter Brock campaigned passionately for road safety," said Bracks.

"Anyone who watched the Holden Dealer Team at Bathurst during Peter's heyday had the drink driving message drummed in every time the commentators called out Peter Brock's number - .05.

"Peter Brock led from the front on the track and he led from the front on road safety.

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Peter Brock."

Brock died when his Daytona Coupe rally car went off the road and struck a tree during the Targa West tarmac rally this morning.

His co-driver Mick Hone is in a stable condition in hospital.

Brock had only just returned to Australia after taking part in last weekend's Goodwood Revival meeting.

"Having played cricket with Peter just a week ago at Goodwood, having run with him often in recent years in the Classic Adelaide Rally in South Australia, and having spent some time with him last weekend generally during the Goodwood Revival - I find this morning's awful news barely believable," said motorsport historian Doug Nye.

"[Speaking] for all involved with the Goodwood events which Brocky supported so enthusiastically in recent years, to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family and to all his friends, and fans. Most, most sincerely.

"One thing is for certain. Peter Brock never ran out of skill - he just ran out of luck. But why is it so often the good blokes...?"