John Bowe AM
Australian Motorsport Legend
One of the most successful and respected drivers in Australian motorsport history, John is also a strong advocate for men’s mental health. An engaging and insightful speaker, he shares powerful lessons in leadership, resilience, and high performance drawn from more than 50 years at the elite level of the sport.
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John Bowe is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Australian motorsport history, with a professional racing career spanning more than five decades. Born and raised in Devonport, Tasmania, John grew up in a racing family and was immersed in motorsport from an early age—an upbringing that shaped what would become an extraordinary career behind the wheel.
John began racing in open-wheel categories before progressing to national competition as a factory Elfin driver, where his talent quickly set him apart. His career reached national prominence in 1986 with his first appearance at the Bathurst 1000, launching a 22-year professional career at the highest level of Australian touring car racing. An iconic 11-year partnership with Dick Johnson Racing followed, widely regarded as one of the greatest driver pairings in the sport’s history.
His achievements are unmatched: a two-time Bathurst 1000 winner (1989 and 1994), 1995 V8 Supercars Champion, and three-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner. John holds the distinction of the most race starts in Australian motorsport history—over 1,250—along with records for the most race wins, pole positions, and fastest lap records, many of which still stand. He has been inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame and the Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2021 for his service to motorsport.
Beyond competition, John is regarded as one of the sport’s sharpest technical minds. He has worked extensively as a factory test and development driver for Ford, Ford Performance Vehicles, Premcar, and Dunlop Tyres, and continues to be sought after for his expertise in vehicle development and race engineering. In 2024, he returned to competition in the global GT4 category as a driver coach and teammate, racing BMW machinery.
Away from the track, John is a passionate advocate for men’s mental health, supporting organisations including Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute. A highly engaging speaker and storyteller, he brings insight, humour, and perspective drawn from more than 50 years at the elite level of international motorsport, with racing experience in Australia, the USA, and the UK.
