New Zealand rally legend Possum Bourne is in critical condition after crashing today.

I wish him a speedy recovery and I pray for him and his family.

More details here (http://newsdirectory.com/go/?f=&r=oc&u=www.herald.co.nz)

That sucks. I wish him a quick recovery.

oh no. :(

not sure what to say... just hope he pulls through

:(

jamie

It doesn't say anything about where or how he crashed, I can't even tell if it happened in the rally - am I reading the wrong article? The one I read had more about his history than about any crash.

Alex

edit - this one has more
http://foxsports.lycos.com/content/view?contentId=1080642
that really sucks...

try this...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=news&thesubsection=&storyID=3401785

Jamie

Bummer, this guy has been rallying Subarus longer than anyone, including Prodrive.



Cool guy, bitchin products.


Hope he pulls through.


pete

This sounds like a freak accident. He collided head on with the vehicle that was the last in line?!?!

I hope he pulls though.

I have watched many rallies live here in Australia. No one is as spectacular to watch or has their car so far at the limit as Possum

He is the master and the gentleman in the South Pacific

Good luck Possum, make sure this event is the one you win, we are all behind you.

Possum Bourne condition update - Saturday evening

Subaru Rally Team Australia driver Possum Bourne is out of the operating theatreat Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand, where he is now listed in a serious but stablecondition after leg and head injuries sustained in a traffic accident yesterday.

The operation was to surgically stabilise his broken legs with pins, which wassuccessful.

He is now resting. Part of the ongoing treatment is to keep him asleep in a druginduced coma.

Possum's wife Peggy and his family remain at his side.
Peggy said: "Every day he remains stable is important. But we're through the firstday and we've just got to take it day-by-day. The kids and I, and all the family, arejust so grateful for the level of support we've all received at this very difficult time.

"Everybody who has been involved with Possum has been wonderful, from the crewon site at the accident, to the air ambulance team who got him to Dunedin and the staffat the Dunedin Hospital."

The accident occurred near Queenstown, on New Zealand's south island.

Originally posted by Glenn Wallace
This sounds like a freak accident. He collided head on with the vehicle that was the last in line?!?!

I thought it sounded odd, but after rereading the story I got the impression that Possum was headed down the hill and the caravan was headed up.

Originally posted by Danno
I thought it sounded odd, but after rereading the story I got the impression that Possum was headed down the hill and the caravan was headed up.

I got back Monday from New Zealand last Monday and my host in Auckland replied to my query with the following:

"Yes, Possum Bourne was in a head-on on [a not so] Good Friday. Seems he was coming downhill and a convoy of other competitors was heading uphill as part of the "pre race recce".

Somehow, Possums (4WD?) "station wagon" (probably a Subaru given he drives for Subaru in the WRC rallies) and a Jeep Cherokee in the uphill convoy hit each other.

Theory seems to be that one of the 2 drivers crossed the "centre line" of the (wide!) gravel road. Dust is thought to pay a part, as is the fact that there was a "small hill" over which Possum drove as he was coming downhill - so he was in-effect coming over the hill blind, due to dust and topography.

They said both cars were certainly not exceeding more than 35 mph [60kph] each. Still the combined "speed" was 120kph - 70mph.

Unfortunately, the Jeep [being a ****-box SUV] imparted most of its energy into the "car" and Possum [and the car he was in] got mangled very,very badly.

The Jeep driver only got a broken leg [and the Jeep rolled over - surprise, surprise!]

Possum got severe head injuries and 2 broken legs and he is in a critical condition in hospital - if he recovers/lives [and thats not a given right now], he may never drive again.

It took over 1 hour to get him out of the car due to the mangled up nature of the wreck.

The TV carried a comment that it appeared that the Jeep hit Possums car in the "side" [near the drivers door] and that Possum had taken evasive action to avoid a head on - maybe if he had not done this he'd be ok today and let the front of his car hit the Jeep full-on.

So I think the Jeep driver pulled out to overtake/see the road ahead due to dust - and went smack into Possums cars side."

This is consistent with what is being said in the NZ media -- also that Bourne is being kept in an induced coma (pretty common strategy I think while they hope/wait for swelling to go down).

Somewhat related to this tragedy, it's great that SRTA has decided to compete.

SRTA to compete in Canberra

Subaru Rally Team Australia has confirmed it will run two cars at the Subaru Rally of Canberra next weekend (25-27 April).

This follows the news of SRTA driver and seven-time Australian Rally Champion Possum Bourne’s serious accident near Queenstown, New Zealand, last Friday.

Nick Senior, General Manager Subaru Australia, who also manages the rally programme said: "Possum’s family and the team want to win it for him and be there in support of him."

The rally starts on Friday lunchtime, April 25.

I'll be there from the start and all throughout the rally, and the 2003 WRX Festival. :)

Originally posted by Jim2
Possums (4WD?) "station wagon" (probably a Subaru

One of the news stories said Possum was in a Forester.

Has anyone heard how he is doing?. Good news please.

http://www.possumpwrc.com/ReadyUpdate/daily.asp?id=62

Head/brain injuries are always a wild card... and can sometimes be very sad.

i hate to hear that he may never drive again :(

damn it.. just makes me really, really sad.

i hope he somehow makes a full recovery...

Jamie www.subiegalracing.com http://www.subiegal.com/rallysmiley.gif

Today is a sad, sad day for rally fans.

NZ Herald Story (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3451600)
Apparently his chances of survival are "virtually nil". I apologize for posting earlier that he had died. News reports from NZ and here in Australia have been somewhat vague.

:(

For the first time in his life, looks like Possum is going to reach the finish line long before any of us want him to.

To Peggy and the greater family, our thoughts are with them at this time

:(

That news hurts... I'm sad.

It is really sad to read this as a New Zealander living overseas. He is such a great man, huge ambassador for Subaru. On the few occasions I have spoken to him he was so down to earth. He will be missed.

Originally posted by Cold kiwi
It is really sad to read this as a New Zealander living overseas. He is such a great man, huge ambassador for Subaru. On the few occasions I have spoken to him he was so down to earth. He will be missed.

He was always so approachable. I remember in the 2001 Rally of Canberra he was very accomodating of the fans. He stayed back and signed a whole lot of autographs after the Super Special stage. All this after a full day of forest stages. I also managed to chat to him briefly too at last year's Sydney Int'l Motor Show.
His public presence hides the fact that he is a superstar and that he has accomplished what he has. Rally fans all around Australasia will miss him.

Damn, thats really sad news.

Possum was a geat guy, he was Subaru through and through. A great loss to rallying and Subaru enthusiasts the world over.

may he RIP. :(

oh no. :(

GodSpeed Possum....

Life Support Turned Off For Possum
28, April 2003
By: NZ Herald
View profiles of: Possum Bourne
View news about: Possum Bourne
View photos of: Possum Bourne
Critically injured New Zealand rally driver Possum Bourne was tonight taken off full life support at the intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital.

The following news article courtesy of New Zealand Herald

A statement issued by Bourne's family said New Zealand's top rally driver had suffered a severe brain injury in a car crash on April 18 and had been actively managed since then.

"The extent and severity of the injury was not fully apparent until this weekend just gone, when ventilation support was decreased but he deteriorated and had to go back onto full support," the statement said.

Evaluation today which included a brain scan confirmed the severity of the original injury and "continuing full support is no longer in Possum's best interests."

Bourne, 47, suffered serious head and leg injuries in an accident during preparations for the Race to the Sky hillclimb near Cardrona, Central Otago, on Good Friday.

The car he was driving collided with a car driven by fellow rally driver Mike Baltrop. Bourne who was taken to Dunedin Hospital and operated on, has been in a drug induced coma since then.

Bourne is New Zealand's only professional rally driver and in 20 years of racing has three times claimed the Asia-Pacific title. He is the reigning Australian Rally champion, having won the title a record seven times.

Truly sad. Motorsports is getting rather grim lately. 2 weeks ago it was the passing of Kato (Japanese MotoGP star) and now maybe Possum. IMO, it hasn't felt like this since the dark weekend of Imola in 94 with the passing of 2 F1 drivers. Senna and Ratzenberger. Ugh:(

Truly,

Davis

:(

:( :(

My thoughts go out to his family.

What a loss to the Subaru/rally world....

My thoughts go out to his family.

What a loss to the Subaru/rally world....

Ditto.

He was actually one of my first "heros" of rallying when I got interested way back because the Subaru dealership news letters always covered the APRC as well as the WRC and Possum was covered quite a bit.

-Matt
W&L Subaru

damn :(

:(

My deepest condolences to Possum's family, friends, and fans.

God I hope he pulls through.

help celebrate Possum and his life here:

http://www.possumpwrc.com/ReadyUpdate/celebrate.asp


Jamie

The outlook seems to be extremely bleak. According to http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2435397a10,00.html:Family agrees to cut Possum's life support
29 April 2003

Friends and family of rally driver Possum Bourne are keeping a 24 hour vigil around his bedside after it was decided yesterday to gradually decrease his life support, leaving his chances of survival "virtually nil".


A statement issued by the family last night said the brain injury Bourne suffered in the car smash on April 18 was severe and continuing "full life support is no longer in Possum's best interests".

When contacted, Possum Bourne Motor Sport general manager Murray Brown said the life support would decrease gradually. The process started yesterday afternoon.

"His chance of survival is virtually nil," Mr Brown said.

It was not known how long Bourne would be able to "hold on", Mr Brown said.

"That's something no one knows, it's anybody's guess,".

Bourne has been in an induced coma in Dunedin Hospital's intensive care unit since the smash during preparations for the Race to the Sky hillclimb near Cardrona, Central Otago.

The decision to stop life support was made yesterday afternoon by his family with advice from medical staff.

The release said the extent and severity of the injury was not fully apparent until last weekend, when ventilation support was decreased, but he deteriorated and had to be put back on full support.

A brain scan yesterday confirmed the severity of the injury.

"It was a very difficult decision for everyone, but in the end it is in the interest of Possum," Mr Brown said.

Friends and family were keeping up a 24 hour vigil around the Subaru driver's hospital bed.

"He hasn't been alone the whole time he's been in hospital and he certainly won't be now," he said.

Mr Brown said Bourne's family were "understandably very upset".

"We're all just numb, but I think we always knew it was going to come to this."

Mike Barltrop, the driver of the other vehicle involved in the car crash was discharged from Dunedin Hospital last week after undergoing surgery on his left leg.

Originally posted by AndyRoo
God I hope he pulls through.

As much as it pains us all to admit it, Possum is gone and it is really now just a matter of time.

The medical terms were very clear - "not in Possum's best interests to continue" means there is no hope and most likely includes injuries like stem damage which is common in these sorts of accidents. The fact that he did not do well when they took him off the ventilator points to that being the problem.

I just hope it does not drag on and Possum leaves us peacefully and soon. I would hate to see Penny and the kids dragged through a long withdrawal with Possum lingering

The good news is the Oz team was so fired up they got 1st and 3rd last weekend ARC round with a "doing it for Possum" sticker on the cars

Damn this sucks!:(

And as Jamie said, be sure to go to Possum's team site and post your consolences. I am sure that means a lot to his family seeing just what impact this is having worldwide. There is also a message pointer set up on the front page of www.rally.com.au where their message to Possum is

"Stay sideways forever Possum, you will never be forgotten"

Possum will definitely be missed... he contributed so much to the sport. :(

chris :(

Perhaps it is a little early to think about this... And if this offends, I apologize, for I don't want to offend.

But I think that we, NASIOC, ought to look to the near future and consider how we can pay tribute to Possum Bourne. Possum's influence was pervasive in the Subaru community... Perhaps more pervasive than he, his family, and his rally team realize. On a corporate level, I would expect that SoA, and the Subaru organizations around the world will pay tribute to a good man... I don't know if that will happen. I don't have much influence on that.

However, we, NASIOC, ought to consider our own tribute to Possum... Maybe not a bunch of money, (although money is always good!), but a tribute or memorial to what he and his career have meant to Subaru and rally fans here in North America.

We have some creative, and thoughtful members in our community... I think some of us will come up with some good ideas...

Sadly, I don't think it's too early. I was thinking of something similar.. Perhaps a small sticker design in the vein of that made in honour of Carl Merrill after he passed? I'd run one of these on my car.. I'm picturing a possum with an old school Impreza and his name.. Perhaps it could be a few $$, benefits going to a fund, if one were set up in Possum's name? A small bit of respect for someone who did tons for rallying.

Of course, it'd also be great if he miraculously recovered. :)

lb
www.trancelab.com

Something using his Possum logo would be good with the proceeds going to his family

Growing up in New Zealand I can tell you he's a household name back home and I watched him perform in countless rallies..

A sad day.

Another recent article from the NZ Herald. (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3451696&thesection=news&thesubsection=general)

Here is the latest from his website:

"TUESDAY 29TH APRIL 2003 (GMT+12:00)

Location: Dunedin

Peggy and Possum's family remain by Possum's bedside in Dunedin Hospital.

Possum has now been removed from all life support equipment but is getting the best possible care from the hospital staff.

The family continues to take strength from Possum's courage to the end, as well as the messages of support from throughout New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

No further statements will be made until there is a significant change in Possum's condition."

It's definitely a sad sad month for motorsports. :(

-mykr.

Possum passed away in the early hours of this morning. You will be missed.

http://www.worldrallynews.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1051637821,29586,

My condolences go out to his family.

he'll be greatly missed........:(


Team ARG! (http://www.team-arg.com)
http://baneverything.org/pictures/rally.gif

From http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/index.html


POSSUM BOURNE DIES
30/04/2003 06:46 AM
IRN

New Zealand's ace rally driver Possum Bourne has died.

The rally driver passed away in Dunedin Hospital just before 1am.

Bourne had been suffering massive head injuries after a head-on crash while he was checking out the Race to the Sky course in Wanaka on Good Friday.

Doctors had removed him from life support after advising his family that continuing the treatment was not in his best interests.

He is survived by his wife Peggy and his three children.

Peter 'Possum' Bourne was New Zealand's most successful rally driver having won a record 7 Australian Rally titles.

1979 starts rallying in New Zealand

1993 wins Asia-Pacific Rally Championship

1994 wins Asia-Pacific Rally Championship

1996 wins Australian Rally Championship
Subaru

1997 wins Australian Rally Championship
Subaru

1998 wins Australian Rally Championship
Subaru

1999 wins Australian Rally Championship
Subaru

2000 wins Australian Rally Championship
Subaru wins Asia-Pacific Rally Championship

2001 wins record 6th Australian Rally Championship
Subaru Impreza WRC 2000

2002 wins 7th Australian Rally Championship
Subaru Impreza WRX


Despite Bourne's success in the world of rally driving, he's most likely to be remembered for being a thoroughly ordinary Kiwi bloke.

:(
I dont know what else to say.

Mods, can someone please pass on the suggestion to Nick that this should be mentioned on the front page or as a sticky. Without innovators like Peter (Possum) its likely that none of us would be here on a Subaru message board.

:( :( :( :( :(

http://xtramsn.co.nz/news/0,,3882-2327017,00.html


Andy...

Rally On Possum.... you and Rog.....

J.

Possum

I bet Rog was waiting, with a smile from ear to ear, watching you enter through the pearly gates - SIDEWAYS.

Thanks for the great memories, you will not be forgotten

My condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. The rally world has lost a great driver, a true champion. The whole world has lost a great human being.

Australiasian rallying will never be the same.

Not sure what to say, except, Possum is missed.

Something using his Possum logo would be good with the proceeds going to his family

I think that would be cool and I would proudly put one on my Rex.

Godspeed Possum, and my condolences to his family, thanks for all of the great memories, you will not soon be forgotten;
I would proudly put a sticker on my car as well

http://www.linear-photographs.com/aprc2000/316.jpg

http://www.caltex.com.au/assets/possum_Bourne.jpg

Originally posted by Quik0002
Godspeed Possum, and my condolences to his family, thanks for all of the great memories, you will not soon be forgotten;
I would proudly put a sticker on my car as well

http://www.linear-photographs.com/aprc2000/316.jpg

http://www.caltex.com.au/assets/possum_Bourne.jpg


I feel the same way

Jiffy:(

Of all the subaru drivers - Colin, Tommi etc etc Possum was the one that was always there and winning......and was one of the few who gave back to all of us with parts for our cars.

Damn mate - you're going to missed! And it was your turn to show the whole world how it's done

Here's to you and Roger enjoying stages together again!

Andrew - looking forward to be able in some small way to show respect with a possum tribute sticker on my car!




:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

RIP :(

Peter died of injuries sustained in a road car accident preparing for a hillclimb event!Family members removed life support after seeing injuries were more severe than first thought!
Godspeed Peter!

:eek: :(

So very sad.

Picture of his rally car outside his workshop today (http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/dynamic/photo,938.sm)

Can someone with any graphic experience make a small graphic (for a sticker):

2" - 3" Circle, Blue
Across top: "Possum Bourne"
Middle of circle: Possum logo (like seen on the right of this page: http://www.possumpwrc.com/about.html)
Across bottom: 1956 - 2003

I would really like something like this

i can handle this/head this up.

my graffix sponsor for my cars would probably do this for el cheapo..... if we can get a graphic designer to clean up / design the logo???

i'd be more than honored to handle this....

i am off to CA for Rim of the World rally.. be back Tues...

i will post where to sign up for stickers then... i will also talk to Nick about making an announcement.

sound okay?

Jamie
Inspired By Possum Bourne
www.subiegalracing.com

Originally posted by Subie Gal
i can handle this/head this up.

my graffix sponsor for my cars would probably do this for el cheapo..... if we can get a graphic designer to clean up / design the logo???

i'd be more than honored to handle this....

i am off to CA for Rim of the World rally.. be back Tues...

i will post where to sign up for stickers then... i will also talk to Nick about making an announcement.

sound okay?

Jamie
Inspired By Possum Bourne
www.subiegalracing.com

Jamie, Sounds good. I am assuming you would need the image in black and white? I will try to help with something if possible.

How funny, just about 1/2 hr before this was posted, someone asked me to make one... but I haven't gotten around to the final design of it yet, then I come in here just a little while ago.

Possum will surely be missed, but never forgotten.

--KC

I'm not a professional artist but do have access to the programs to do this

I'll throw something together this morning and post it up for comments

It would nice if we could get hold of someone at Possum's workshop who could send us a cleaner version of the image.

I'll send an email and see if we can get a reply.

I also know a few people who raced against Possum - I'll see if they can get me a name as I am sure they are all being blasted with email.

Andrew

Here is a quickie example:

http://www.subaruwedding.com/possum.html

Originally posted by deadbolt


Jamie, Sounds good. I am assuming you would need the image in black and white? I will try to help with something if possible.

completed image should be large and saved in .tif or .eps format to make things go easiest... if not possible a clean .jpg or .gif will have to do...

thanks everyone for having an interest in this. Possum was a fantastic example for all of us... he will definately be missed.

Jamie

deadbolt - Nice job! I like!

As Jamie said, the .tif or .eps format would be good for the grafix gurus... I wonder if someone can do an early printing for Rim this weekend... There will be a ton of scoobies there, and anyone driving a scoobie in socal, where it doesn't rain nor snow, is likely driving one thanks in part to what Possum has done... I know if I can obtain one sooner rather than later, I would dig that very much...

Glad you like it, my editor won't save in anything other than JPG or BMP though. :(

Still a little rough and Jamie and I are working on it but here is the first pass

This is sitting in Photoshop so I can tweak it based on input from people

It is using the logo from the web site but color changed to bring it out of the background some more and still keep things close to Subaru Blue and Yellow

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss.jpg

Both looks great, right along the lines of what I was thinking.

we definately want a circle type pattern yeah?

I would say so, I think it looks good with the circle pattern.

Lookin' good guys
Keep up the good work
Sign me up for one when they are finished
Ryan

R.I.P. Possum

Why is it that, so often, the good ones go first?

The memorial logo stickers are a small but worthy tribute to a great star.

(I'll take four when they are available.)

Motor on Possum!

this makes me sad.:(

it goes to show that nothing is as dangerous as casual driving.


our condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
-james, and everyone at Easy Street Motorsports

this makes me sad.:(

thanks for all you've done for the subaru community, Possum! we'd be Kia without you! ;)

our condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.

-james and everyone at Easy Street Motorsports

http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/img/FlowersonPossumsCarCloseup333smudge.jpg

SIGH...and I thought I had trouble going through surgery yesterday.
Count me in for several stickers whatever the cost.

Originally posted by deadbolt
Here is a quickie example:

http://www.subaruwedding.com/possum.html

I prefer this layout. Keep it simple.

Either way I'm going to get a couple.

RIP Possum :(

The tribute sticker is a great idea. I would get one.

RIP Possum

-paK

I think the blue/yellow in @ 4" would look great. Get out your rulers. 2-3 isn't even noticeable really. Doesn't really matter though. I am gonna get whatever somebody comes up with.

I'll take a few stickers as well.

Color would be great...not sure how black and white would show up on a dark red car with tinted windows. A little contrast would be good.

I like all designs mentioned so far.

What a tragedy. I'm in for two stickers at whatever price.

I like the circle decal but I think the background should be Subaru blue and perhaps Subaru Stars logos on either side of the dates would be cool.

I'll be down for 4 of them.

-mykr.

Count me in for several! Try to get it in a material that wont fade.

:(

Rest in peace, Possum! :( :( You will be missed. The first time I ever saw rally it was Possum driving.. I was in a hotel in Hong Kong in 1992 and saw this crazy driving thing on television, it was the Australian Rally Championship and they kept talking about this crazy fast Kiwi named Possum... I remember laughing about it and it stuck in my head, and the seed was planted. Possum made a rally fan for life.... thank you Possum, we will miss you! :(





How's this for a rough graphic for a sticker? I can refine it a bit if there's interest...

http://webpages.charter.net/drifter/Images/possumsticker.jpg

Originally posted by Porter
Rest in peace, Possum! :( :( You will be missed. The first time I ever saw rally it was Possum driving.. I was in a hotel in Hong Kong in 1992 and saw this crazy driving thing on television, it was the Australian Rally Championship and they kept talking about this crazy fast Kiwi named Possum... I remember laughing about it and it stuck in my head, and the seed was planted. Possum made a rally fan for life.... thank you Possum, we will miss you! :(





How's this for a rough graphic for a sticker? I can refine it a bit if there's interest...

http://webpages.charter.net/drifter/Images/possumsticker.jpg

I like that, good colors and contrast. :)

I have been talking to Brett Middleton from MRT about this and seeing if he could provide an intro to someone at PBM so that we could do this right and make sure they were ok with what/how we did it (ie like raising funds - they might prefer we didn't or that it go to a Charity or form of memorial instead of his family)

Brett is going to Possum's funeral on Monday and has offered to see if he can show what we are planning to do to the right people.

I hope I am not out of line but I also asked him to pass on NASIOC's condolences if there was a chance like in a guest book at the funeral.

We both agreed they likely are focused on other things right now but he will see what he can do when he is there.

If we can PBM's blessing on this and use it to raise some funds, no matter how humble an amount, I think it would be a nice gesture of respect towards Possum.

I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime I have some spare time so I will throw up a couple of new design ideas today

Porter - Looks great. How about a Subaru logo on one side of the possum and a PBM logo (like "PBM" in their font) on the other side???

tt_ttf - That's cool. I think the Bourne family would understand that he touched ALOT of people around the world.

RIP Possum.


-mykr.

tt_ttf - That is fantastic, I think, about your speaking w/Brett @ MRT to let PBM know about our tribute, or whatever to Possum.

From my experience, it will be good for the family to know how much of a positive influence Possum was to folks far away from him, and how much we mourn him, and that we offer our condonlenses to the family and friends there in NZ. So he should not be shy, but just look for the opportune moments.

I noticed that PBM do list their personal here at their website (http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/pages/teambehind2.html). It looks to me that either Moya, who handles marketing chores for the company, or Murray Brown the GM of the company would be the appropriate people to contact.

I would imagine that by the time of the funeral, the family will have announced a charity to which donations would be made in Possum's name.

I think though that the stickers and other tributes to Possum can be just as meaningful, as money donations, if not more so. It would be good to let Moya and PBM know of our intentions, as she may be able to even provide us art work, as well as permission to use official PBM logos, perhaps.

Originally posted by OnTheGas
tt_ttf - That is fantastic, I think, about your speaking w/Brett @ MRT to let PBM know about our tribute, or whatever to Possum.


I noticed that PBM do list their personal here at their website (http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/pages/teambehind2.html). It looks to me that either Moya, who handles marketing chores for the company, or Murray Brown the GM of the company would be the appropriate people to contact.



I saw that as well but I can imagine that they are being bombarded by various requests and from their end, no way to know if they are legit. I did not want to add to that noise level.

I have known Brett for sometime personally (for nearly7 years)and know that the team at PBM know Brett (who is an ARC F2 champion himself) and that if we had Brett do the intro, the folks at PBM would know that what we are trying to do it is legit.

As for Brett being shy.........hehe - not the Brett I know but no I am sure that Brett will pass on NASIOC's condolences if he can.

Originally posted by mykrrrr
Porter - Looks great. How about a Subaru logo on one side of the possum and a PBM logo (like "PBM" in their font) on the other side???

tt_ttf - That's cool. I think the Bourne family would understand that he touched ALOT of people around the world.

RIP Possum.


-mykr.

The only thing I have been thinking as I play with some more ideas is that maybe we keep this simple and have it as a cut out like the old i-club sticker were.

They are likely to last a lot longer than if we make them multi-color printed stickers

that means keeping it simple which I think results in a cleaner design.

The PBM logo is covered by using Possum's logo in the center and we shouldn't need to spell out the subaru part with the stars given his history.

comments?

either way - lets keep playing with the design and hold off on finishing it until next week when we see what Brett is able to with PBM on our behalf. He was going to see if he could get us access to hi-res versions of the logo so this does Possum justice. It would be nice if the name font across the top was the same as the PBM logo

Can I ask that Nick or another moderator, make this sticky and tweak the title to reflect the design discussion as well

Thanks

They have annouced the creation of an educational trust fund for Possum's Family

I think we should see about making a modest amount of money on the sale of the stickers and send the money to the Trust fund for his kids - his youngest is going to be too young to remember her dad:(

The following is from the Subaru Australia site

Funeral and memorial arrangements for Possum Bourne announced


The funeral for Possum Bourne will be held at 1pm on Tuesday 6 May at Pukekohe Indian Community Hall, Ward Street, Pukekohe, New Zealand.

Those wishing to send cards and flowers can do so to:

Possum Bourne Motorsport
140c Manukau Road
Pukekohe
New Zealand

In Australia, a memorial service will be held at 2pm, Friday 9 May at:

The Hordern Pavillion
Fox Studios, Moore Park
Sydney, NSW

Parking will be available on site.

The Possum Bourne Family Education Trust has been established for the family.

For anyone wishing to make donations in Australia, the details are:

Westpac bank
Account name: Possum Bourne Family Education Trust
BSB number: 032349
Account Number: 203886

Stickied.

Three designs for a cut out style of sticker

The first 2 with sideways forever in 2 different ways

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss5.jpg

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss6.jpg

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss3.jpg

I will be going to Aukland to the funeral on Monday and will take a copy of this thread and pass it on to Murray (manager) at PBM's

I will also see what i can do to assist with the logo and the correct people
Brett

im in for a few .. funny how life works

Originally posted by cindergarden
im in for a few .. funny how life works

Yeah :(

There is another thread floating around with an image of all the WRX's that SWRT has used in the last 10 years, celebrating the first ten years of the factory Subaru team.

And this thread is comiserating the loss of the man probably most responsible for showing Subaru that it could be successful with it's own rally team.

Possum started it all WAY back rallying the old RX bodied cars and proved to them it could be done

:(

Originally posted by Jim2
They said both cars were certainly not exceeding more than 35 mph [60kph] each. Still the combined "speed" was 120kph - 70mph.

Unfortunately, the Jeep [being a ****-box SUV] imparted most of its energy into the "car" and Possum [and the car he was in] got mangled very,very badly.

The Jeep driver only got a broken leg [and the Jeep rolled over - surprise, surprise!]

If it isn't bad enough that a legend dies.. he was taken out by an SUV...

at rim last weekend

http://home.velocitus.net/jaredw/images/rim/Mvc01816a.jpg

Jamie did something similar for her car as well

His funeral is tomorrow afternoon our time........

A POEM FOR POSSUM
You've driven dusty, gritty roads
You've been through ice and sleet
Driving all around the world
In freezing cold or heat
Sliding around corners
Revving up the slopes
But, regardless of conditions
You held New Zealand's hopes
Acknowledging your fans
With a friendly wave or smile
In your super blue Subaru
You would go the extra mile
An ambassador; a family man
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KNOWING
I knew him first, the two wheeled ace
The low flying Doctor who studied outer space
You inspired me both with fire in your bellies
You introduced me to the world of rallies
Your tea's piping hot, your lunch on a plate
But you're not in the camper, you're back with our mate
Ten years to catch up on, stories, bull**** and lies
The Team's back together...In the Race of the Skies
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

POSSUM
Known as Possum, christened Pete
The man, the myth, his sporting feats
Bourne to win, Bourne to strive
Showed the world, how to drive
A man of vigour, a man of grace
Showed us the style to win a race
Through the years, his passion grew
Had a winning friendship with Subaru
Showed the Aussies, showed the world
That Kiwi's can fly, with wings unfurled
Now he's gone but we won't forget
The Special Man, New Zealand's best
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

YOU ARE NEW ZEALAND'S HEART & SOUL, OUR RALLY SUPERSTAR
Possum Bourne - we all know who you are!
You are New Zealand's own Rally Superstar
You started out humbly, winning one or two
Now you are totally unbeatable in your Subaru
You are WRC now and we are happy to see
One of NZ's own, so dedicated and free
We watch you storm the stages with purpose and pride
And can only imagine the exhileration inside most of us only dare to wish and to dream
To get behind the wheel of such an awesome machine.

You are an idol and an icon in our country
With your successful business and supportive family
People in the office and staff on merchandise
And a Team of mechanics who never think twice
To go out of their way to build a winning car
So their boss, their friend, can go so ver far.

You are New Zealand's heart and soul, our Rally Superstar.
************************************************** ********
TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF THE HILL

A King is born once in a while
This one was special for his racing style
There was no Rally that he could not win
Because of his skills he was the best that's ever been

Now he has gone to join his mates in Heaven
Some who have been gone awhile
Now they once again can see his racing style

To his family and friends you have lost a husband
Father, son, brother and good mate
But I know that he will be waiting for you
In his car at the pearly gates

A POEM FOR POSSUM
You've driven dusty, gritty roads
You've been through ice and sleet
Driving all around the world
In freezing cold or heat
Sliding around corners
Revving up the slopes
But, regardless of conditions
You held New Zealand's hopes
Acknowledging your fans
With a friendly wave or smile
In your super blue Subaru
You would go the extra mile
An ambassador; a family man
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KNOWING
I knew him first, the two wheeled ace
The low flying Doctor who studied outer space
You inspired me both with fire in your bellies
You introduced me to the world of rallies
Your tea's piping hot, your lunch on a plate
But you're not in the camper, you're back with our mate
Ten years to catch up on, stories, bull**** and lies
The Team's back together...In the Race of the Skies
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

POSSUM
Known as Possum, christened Pete
The man, the myth, his sporting feats
Bourne to win, Bourne to strive
Showed the world, how to drive
A man of vigour, a man of grace
Showed us the style to win a race
Through the years, his passion grew
Had a winning friendship with Subaru
Showed the Aussies, showed the world
That Kiwi's can fly, with wings unfurled
Now he's gone but we won't forget
The Special Man, New Zealand's best
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

YOU ARE NEW ZEALAND'S HEART & SOUL, OUR RALLY SUPERSTAR
Possum Bourne - we all know who you are!
You are New Zealand's own Rally Superstar
You started out humbly, winning one or two
Now you are totally unbeatable in your Subaru
You are WRC now and we are happy to see
One of NZ's own, so dedicated and free
We watch you storm the stages with purpose and pride
And can only imagine the exhileration inside most of us only dare to wish and to dream
To get behind the wheel of such an awesome machine.

You are an idol and an icon in our country
With your successful business and supportive family
People in the office and staff on merchandise
And a Team of mechanics who never think twice
To go out of their way to build a winning car
So their boss, their friend, can go so ver far.

You are New Zealand's heart and soul, our Rally Superstar.
************************************************** ********
TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF THE HILL

A King is born once in a while
This one was special for his racing style
There was no Rally that he could not win
Because of his skills he was the best that's ever been

Now he has gone to join his mates in Heaven
Some who have been gone awhile
Now they once again can see his racing style

To his family and friends you have lost a husband
Father, son, brother and good mate
But I know that he will be waiting for you
In his car at the pearly gates

Originally posted by tt_ttf
Jamie did something similar for her car as well

A photo of my sticker is on www.frozenmotionphotos.com

Jamie

PACE NOTES to HEAVEN for a CHAMPION

Take 3 Left
Straight 100 into 4 Right
Over Crest into 2 Left and Hairpin Right
Then 50 Straight
Caution through Pearly Gates
Over Finish

Have a quite moment around 9EST 6PST today for Possum

That's when his funeral will be starting in Pukekohe, New Zealand

At ROTW this past weekend the NASIOC guys/gals had a poster type thing that people were signing. I put a few words on it and signed it. I'm hoping we can get a picture of what it looked like before it was sent off to Australia.

Rally On!!!

-Brian

From Rally.com.au

At first it did not seem like an occasion for grieving. The stage glowed with flowers, fathers played with their children, and people laughed.

The following news article courtesy of New Zealand Herald

An order of service chirpily announced the occasion to be "Possum's Prizegiving". The sound system belted out Lionel Richie's Dancing on the Ceiling and Jimmy Barnes' Working Class Man.

But hanging from the corners of the hall were chequered flags - reminders that Peter "Possum" Bourne's final race was over.

And then the hearse pulled up. Silence fell as a brave boy clutching a blue helmet took up his position in front of his father's coffin, finished in the same blue and yellow colours as his rally cars.

The funeral was the chance for 1200 people packed inside the Pukekohe Indian Association Community Hall and the crowds outside to bid farewell to Possum Bourne.

The 47-year-old died last Wednesday after crashing on April 18 during a reconnaissance drive for the Race to the Sky hill-climb near Cardrona in Central Otago.

Yesterday, his wife, Peggy, his family, his Subaru racing team, old colleagues and fans watched as Bourne's coffin was greeted by a haka from the Pukekohe High School kapa haka group.

With 8-year-old son Taylor leading the procession, the coffin was carried into the hall to Midnight Oil's King of the Mountain.

Harold Amstutz, Peggy Bourne's father, offered a prayer of affirmation and comfort. Family tributes followed, with Possum's brother, Geoff, and sisters, Deb Bourne and Kristine Game, speaking of Possum's love for his family, and his energy and enthusiasm.

"The thing I'll always remember about Peter was when I brought Linda up to meet the family," said Geoff.

"Peter turns up and says, 'Gees, I'm so hungry, I could eat the arse off a dead skunk'. That's Peter. It doesn't matter if he's known you one day, one year or 20 years."

Family friend Pat Rawle read out letters written by Taylor and Possum's other children, Spencer and Jazlin, on the day the decision was made to turn off the life support.

"To Daddy," wrote 4-year-old Spencer. "I love you. You crashed. Please God help Possum. Please keep Possum safe. Please keep Possum happy. Please get better soon. We want you back. So does Mummy."

"To Dad," wrote Taylor, "We are very, very sad. We want you to come back but it's too late now. We are just going to have to pray God keeps you safe in heaven.

"Why did God choose you? ... Why does He keep some bad people on Earth but you in heaven? He must need you right now. We wish you didn't crash because we really miss you."

Perhaps the most emotional moment came from Taylor when he read out a message he had written for his father. "Dad, you were a great man ... I love you Dad, I miss your smile..."

"I want you to know that we really miss you and we really want you to come back... You are in my heart, I love you to infinity."

Bourne's co-driver on this year's world rally circuit, Mark Stacey, also spoke of the unique experience of racing with him.

Possum had a huge number of fans and would sacrifice precious seconds to wow crowds with a touch of flamboyance behind the wheel.

"You had to be in the rally car competing to see where that support came from. There'd be 'Go Possum' signs everywhere. They would be on trees, on fences, attached to woolsheds, engraved in the dust on car windows, and flags would fly. There were times you would think Possum was the only person in the race..."

"It was as if it was a privilege, something special, and his passion for it never ended."

But it was Possum himself who ended his own farewell, with words from an old television clip giving the mourners something to draw hope from.

"If you don't get anything out of the bad then what the heck are you doing here, because the bad things make you realise how good the good things are."

And then he flashed that big smile - the smile that was almost as famous as his antics on the road.

Then he was gone on his final road trip, from Pukekohe to Pokeno cemetery.

I spoke with Brett Middleton again today.

Brett tried but was unable to talk to anyone at PBM while at Possum's funeral in NZ.

He has given me the contact details for a couple of people and will act as an intro point as well

We will give them time to get over the funeral and the memorial in Sydney at the end of the week and then will try and contact them first thing next week.

In the meantime, any comments/suggestions on the designs

Andrew

tt_ttf, that article actually got me teary... which is rare, just sitting here at work. Thanks for posting it,

"If you don't get anything out of the bad then what the heck are you doing here, because the bad things make you realise how good the good things are."

If we are doing cut-out stickers:
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss3.jpg

If we are doing multi color stickers:
http://webpages.charter.net/drifter/Images/possumsticker.jpg

My heart goes out to his children, having a child myself his son's words at the funeral were very hard for me to read.

Rally on Possum!

are those the final ? i think we should contact a vendor here on the boards to see if they will be willing to do something for us, maybe Speed FX

i think the top cut out needs something on the bottom half of the circle like perhaps the "rally on " thats in the mutil sticker

My vote is for the bottom graphic. If the top one is to be used, I agree that "rallying on in memory", "stay sideways forever" or something like it should be added.

Opie posted one of the old cut-out designs

The new ones have "stay forever sideways" underneath

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss5.jpg

Jamie was going to run doing it through one of her sponsors that do the graphics on her cars

edit - hate double posts!

put me up for a couple of the cutouts that say stay forever sideways when your ready

Originally posted by tt_ttf
Opie posted one of the old cut-out designs

The new ones have "stay forever sideways" underneath

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ttttf/poss5.jpg



This is the design that I woiuld like to see make it into production!!

Jeff

Originally posted by BOY
tt_ttf, that article actually got me teary... which is rare, just sitting here at work. Thanks for posting it,



me 2:(

Possum's quote was one of the most touching statements I've ever read. :(

I too got all teary @ work.

Possum R.I.P.

-mykr.

PS - On the decal topic, talk to Greg Lilly @ Underground Graphics in TX. He might be able to help us out as well.

just an idea...


http://htmlism.com/john/nasioc/pb2.jpg


or


http://htmlism.com/john/nasioc/pb.gif

Go to wrc.com and check out the multimedia. They have an audio bit of David Lapworth talking about Possum. Its a very nice piece.

I wonder if any of you have thought about the guy who hit possum, and what HE must be going through right now. He is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life. Not only are my thought and prayers going out to Possum's family, but to the guy that hit him. It is going to be a rough journey for him as well. . .



Dayna

Yeah, I never thought about the other guy but I don't hold any ill will towards him (hopefully none of Possum's family does either.) It was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone else. It's a shame that it happened @ all but unfortunately it happened to Possum.

I bet that guy is dying inside. :(

-mykr.

My thoughts an prayers go out to all the families involved in this tragedy.........I await info on where to send my donation and will be honored to place a memorial decal on my scooby......

I can't believe that this happened to him.
I watched him rally on TV, Motorsport Mundial, in the Singapore Park rally during the spring of 99 and the way he threaded the WRX between concrete barriers. The car was within an inch of them as he was drifting through them.

Does anyone know how to order the products from http://www.possumbourne.co.nz ?

I'd really like to get an authentic cap or shirt. That way people could ask me about it and I might get them interested in the sport of rallying. That seems like something that might be appropriate.

It also strikes me as odd that nobody has used the word "Legacy" yet. Possum drove one, and Possum created one, right?

Main Entry: leg·a·cy
Pronunciation: 'le-g&-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -cies
Etymology: Middle English legacie office of a legate, bequest, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, office of a legate, from Medieval Latin legatia, from Latin legatus
Date: 15th century
1 : a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : BEQUEST
2 : something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past <the legacy of the ancient philosophers>

I think #2 fits pretty well. He paved the way on the unpaved roads.

legacies are called liberties in Australia (and i would assume NZ)

with Brett Middleton's help, I contacted PBM.

Firstly I passed on NASIOC's condolences and asked if it was possibe to pass those onto Peggy.

Secondly I detailed our plan to make a tribute sticker and use it to raise money to send to the trust fund.

I heard back today from Kristine Game (who is Possum's sister and assistant to the GM of PBM Murray Brown)

This is what Kristine said

Andrew

Thanks for your kind thoughts into Possum, at the moment it is difficult for Peggy to take everything in but next week hopefully we can sit down and talk through everything regarding these sort of matters, we are definately interested and I though I would drop you a note to say we are interested and will get back to you as soon as possible

Kind Regards

Kristine Game
PA/Administrator
Possum Bourne Motorsport Ltd

I will followup with Kristine and let everyone know

I will remember Possum fondly.
Watching him breeze through the twisty bits has always put a smile on my face.
He was one of the motivators in my life when it came to my intrest in Rally.
His memory will always live on.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to his family and friends, as well as the others involved in this unfortunate accident.

I also have a friend in Atlanta who may be able to produce some of these stickers as well. I will be seeing him this weekend, and I will talk to him about it. He is a graphic artist with a great sense of artistic ability. He may be able to ad a bit to the ideas.

Thanks,
Russ

Originally posted by tt_ttf
with Brett Middleton's help, I contacted PBM.

Firstly I passed on NASIOC's condolences and asked if it was possibe to pass those onto Peggy.

Secondly I detailed our plan to make a tribute sticker and use it to raise money to send to the trust fund.

I heard back today from Kristine Game (who is Possum's sister and assistant to the GM of PBM Murray Brown)

This is what Kristine said

Andrew

Thanks for your kind thoughts into Possum, at the moment it is difficult for Peggy to take everything in but next week hopefully we can sit down and talk through everything regarding these sort of matters, we are definately interested and I though I would drop you a note to say we are interested and will get back to you as soon as possible

Kind Regards

Kristine Game
PA/Administrator
Possum Bourne Motorsport Ltd

I will followup with Kristine and let everyone know


I've also got the NASIOC tribute board that we would like to send to him with peoples condolences. This is the board that was at ROTW rally and was apparently the only tribute to him by anyone attending other than those few drivers. I'm waiting for it to be finished along with the final letter and then we will be sending it along to them though I'm not sure to send it to this address or another:

Possum Bourne Motorsport
140c Manukau Road
Pukekohe
New Zealand

Rich
"Rally on Possum, Rally on"

Rich,

That address is correct and I would send it attention Kristine Game.

I can mention it next time I am talking to her about the sticker if you would like.

AndrewR

We just got official approval from Possum's trustees to do the sticker

Just got the following from PBM



Andrew

Further to my previous email please understand the permission to use the Possum emblem and name is limited to the activity you propose and is given for a period of 3 months (If this is insufficient please request an extension). Please understand we welcome and thank you for your generous gesture but we need to protect the name and emblem of Possum and Possum Bourne Motorsport.

We will supply the logo to you and if you could send the final designs before going to print that would be good so I can pass onto the Trustees to keep them informed and up-to-date with all activities to do with the trust.

Thanks again for your support

Kind Regards

Kristine Game
PA/Administrator
Possum Bourne Motorsport Ltd

Good work.

I like the way that this is being handled...very professionally.

handled very respectfully and professionally...so what are the final designs that are goin to be sent ?

For cost reasons we are looking at the cut-out style. They are cheaper to produce and typically last longer than printed ones.

The one that got the most thumbs up was the one with "stay forever sideways" underneath so that is most likely the one we will run with.

I am currently waiting for Kristine to send me the hi-res logo's so that we can do the final tweaks

The plan is to post the final design by the end of this week or first thing next week.

I will then give it to Jamie as one of her sponsors is a graphic company who has done stuff for us before (like the PNWSEC.org stickers)

We will then let everyone know the costs etc.

Any news on the Possum tribute decals???

-mykr.

Originally posted by mykrrrr
Any news on the Possum tribute decals???

-mykr.

I am currently waiting for PBM to send me the hi-resolution art work.

If I don't have it by Monday, I will call Kristine and talk to her.

Originally posted by tt_ttf


I am currently waiting for PBM to send me the hi-resolution art work.

If I don't have it by Monday, I will call Kristine and talk to her.

Thanks. :D

-mykr.

A couple of emails and 2 phone messages later I am still waiting for art work from PBM

We have permission to do it but not what we need to do a sticker that does not look crappy.

Thanks for the update! Keep us posted.

yeah, thanks for the updates....I'm in for a least 2 of these.

justin (ibis)
www.team-arg.com

I'm in also, what ever works - 2 of each type if more than one type. Thanks. John

Any new updates?? When can we expect to see these made??

Any new updates?? When can we expect to see these made??

Any new updates?? When can we expect to see these made??

I'm sad with the news!

I just found out!

Any info on the decals?

Leo

YEAH!!!!!!!!:D

Finally got the artwork from PBM!!!!

I will work on the final version today and post it

Andrew

Thanks for the update!

Put me dow for a few sets, that is, if there is a list.

Thanks,
Leo

Sweet! Keep me updated.

:D

justin (ibis)
www.team-arg.com

I am currently having some issues getting the possum logo into the right format to use with Photoshop.

It is in DWF (autocad vector) format and looks very good and scales well in the DWF viewer I have but when I export it, the viewer does not have great control over the export so it does not do a good job making a PNG or JPG file.

Anyone have access to AutoCad?

I suspect that AutoCad itself would do a far better job of exporting the logo as a good hi-res JPG.

Hi, I just checked with my wife (Fortran Programmer) at a eng. plant. She can get it converted. Send file to me & I will get it done. As fast as they can do it. John Williams

Originally posted by roofford
Hi, I just checked with my wife (Fortran Programmer) at a eng. plant. She can get it converted. Send file to me & I will get it done. As fast as they can do it. John Williams

I replied to the PM (you forgot to give me your email address:p )

Thanks for this - basically I am after a really REALLY large JPG and PNG (photoshop) and TIF versions of this (like 2048 or larger)

pm'ed you.

I have the file, requested formats & smoothing. It is now at the plant. They will do the best they can.

Hope these will do. All 3 formats you requested. (JPG looks the best.) Could not increase the res much but will work on that tonight. J

tt_ttf,

Just sent you a 2400x2400 jpg.

John

Update?

John helped me last week with getting the logo format converted.

So we now have the finished format.

I am going to be working with Jamie this week to get them to her sponsor and get going on making them.

Sorry for the delay but we did not get the artwork from PBM until last week

Any new updates??

Originally posted by SilverBoosted
Any new updates??

I sent the formats to Jamie but she has been laid low by a case of pneumonia!

UPDATE PLEASE.........

can we get an update or a repost of the decals in the making ? i would like to see it and perhaps use the cutout verson for a wallpaper so if you could repost the final decals i would appreciate it personally

Jamie has quotes on printed stickers and is getting quotes on cut-out style ones

I also have some other quotes in progress as well.

Trying to do the sticker justice but also wanting to make sure that we don't end up too much out of pocket as well getting this going

cheers

Andrew

Why not check out prices & ask us to preorder to cut down on out of pocket. Ill do it. John ;)

true, its been a while though i forgot what they looked like .