Possum Bourne given posthumous induction into Hall of Fame

The late Peter 'Possum' Bourne was inducted into the Australian Rally Hall of Fame this week, nearly 10 years since his death. Photo / Getty Images.

The late Peter 'Possum' Bourne was inducted into the Australian Rally Hall of Fame this week, nearly 10 years since his death.

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, the announcement was a timely reminder, said 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," said Johnston.

"Especially significant is Possum is the only double inductee.

"That will be further celebrated this year with the 10th 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 September 7, 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.

Bourne died in 2003 after a crash in practise for an event in the Cardrona Valley.