The late Peter ‘Possum’ Bourne, formerly of Pukekohe, was inducted in to the Australian Rally Hall of Fame this week, nearly ten years since his passing.

An inaugural inductee to the MotorSport New Zealand Wall of Fame in 1994, recognition for his achievement of winning seven consecutive Australian Rally Championships has posthumously earned him a second inaugural induction. Held in Canberra on Tuesday 26 February, the announcement was a timely reminder says Rally of New Zealand Board Chairman Peter ‘PJ’ Johnston.

“Possum became a household name – that’s left a lasting legacy recognised on both sides of the Tasman,” says Johnston.

“Especially significant is Possum is the only double inductee.

“That will be further celebrated this year with the tenth anniversary of the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally, sponsored by Vantage – the aluminium joinery company run by long-time friend and former co-driver Craig Vincent.

To be held on Saturday 7 September the event will be also be the penultimate round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship – a title Bourne won in 1991.

It will start from the main street of Pukekohe and include a variety of gravel and tarmac special stages before finishing at the Pukekohe Park Raceway.