Bowe is best known as a two-time winner of the Bathurst 1000s as well as the Australian Touring Car Champion in 1995. But Bowe’s 20-plus years in touring car racing were preceded by a long and equally illustrious career in openwheelers and sports car competition.

Bowe started in Formula Vee openwheelers in his home state of Tasmania in 1971 before transplanting to the mainland later in the decade to become factory driver at Elfin Sports Cars.

He went on to win the Australian Drivers’ Championship in 1984 and again ’85. The following year he also won the Australian Sports Car Championship.

In doing so Bowe remains the only driver to have won the Bathurst 1000, the Australian Touring Car Championship, Australian Drivers’ Championship and Australian Sports Car Championship.

In addition to his two Bathurst 1000 victories, Bowe is also a two-time winner of the Bathurst 12 Hour.

“John Bowe has been one of the real achievers in Australian motorsport and his passion is obvious when you consider that he is still racing and winning on race tracks around the country,” said Hall of fame chairman Garry Connelly.

“Not only has JB always been fast, but his ability to adapt to such a vast array of machinery has been one of his great skills.

“A terrific professional, John was an obvious choice for this year’s list of inductees alongside Mark Webber.”

Bowe will be the 53rd inductee and joins legends of the sport including Sir Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Mick Doohan and Peter Brock.

Bowe’s induction to the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame has been announced in advance of the formal ceremony, a gala black-tie dinner to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 23.