Bartlett, Kevin
Name/Title
Bartlett, KevinEntry/Object ID
2025.1.45Description
Kevin Bartlett was born May 25, 1940, in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and became one of Australia’s most versatile and respected drivers. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, winning the Australian Drivers’ Championship twice and becoming the first Australian to lap Mount Panorama at Bathurst at more than 100 mph. Bartlett competed in open‑wheelers, touring cars, sports sedans, and even Can‑Am machinery, showing unusual adaptability across categories. He also made several attempts at the Bathurst 1000, most famously driving the bright red Channel 9 Camaro, a crowd favorite known for its speed and its tendency to break components under heavy strain. Bartlett’s career included both strong successes and difficult setbacks. He won major races such as the 1969 Macau Grand Prix and earned a reputation as a fast, aggressive driver, but mechanical failures and accidents often interrupted promising runs. His Bathurst efforts were particularly mixed: he set impressive lap times but suffered crashes and reliability issues that kept him from winning the event. After retiring from top‑level competition, Bartlett remained active in historic racing and motorsport commentary, continuing to be a respected figure in Australian racing circles.Collection
Dr. Frederick A. Simeone Founder CollectionCategory
Race Car Drivers