Brabeck began his relationship with the-then Dick Johnson Racing as a sponsor through his business Crimsafe in 2009.

His support would be pivotal to the team’s survival during a financially challenging period at the end last decade. It was Brabeck who crucially took care of travel and logistics to get the struggling team to the Homebush series finale in 2010 – where James Courtney delivered DJR an unlikely championship win.

Brabeck became a co-owner through the team’s transformation into DJR Team Penske, attending many race events.

He is survived by his sons Matthew and Benjamin leaving behind a reputation as one of the ‘nice guys’ of the sport.

Dick Johnson said the loss is devastating to his team.

“Jill and I have known Steve for many years, and he became much more than a business partner, he became a true friend. He shared some incredible moments on track with us over the years and we will remember those for a long, long time. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his two boys Matt and Ben. He will be missed, greatly.”

Fellow co-owner Roger Penske remembers a passionate racer.

“We first met Steve in 2013 when we started talking to Dick and the team about Supercars. He was a great guy, a successful businessman and really enjoyed going racing,” Penske said.

“He was there in the tough times for DJR and a terrific partner to us in DJR Team Penske.”