Michael Burgmann was born on June 3, 1947, and he was the accountant for the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC). The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) were the promoters of the Bathurst 1000. The club also owns the Amaroo Park in Sydney.
Michael Burgmann made his first Bathurst appearance in 1983 and he drove an ex-Kevin Bartlett Chevrolet Camaro. Prior to his participation in Bathurst, he was participating in the Amaroo Park-based “AMSCAR Series as well as appearing in the Sydney rounds of the ATCC and Australian Endurance Championship.
In his first Bathurst appearance, he only completed 121 out of the 163 laps. This was due to several problems he experienced on the race day. In 1984, Michael Burgmann competed in the AMSCAR series. It must be noted that Michael Burgmann drove a Mazda RX-7, and co-drove with veteran Bob Stevens after Longhurst had moved to the JPS Team BMW.
Michael Bergmann bought a Holden VK Commodore to compete in the 1985 and 1986 Bathurst 1000s. In the 1985 Bathurst, Michael Burgmann’s car developed an engine failure. In 1986, Michael Burgmann co-drove with Series Production racer Mal Rose for the Endurance Championship.
His acre qualified in the 27th place but later suffered a broken windscreen on lap 3. On lap 5, Michael Burgmann tried to overtake the V12 Jaguar XJS of fellow Sydney racer and close friend Garry Willmington. He was driving at a speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).
His car hit the tire barrier at the bottom of the well-known curved bridge at the end of Conrod. The entire front end was pushed to the firewall. Michael Burgmann died in the process. He was pronounced dead when he was rushed to the Bathurst Hospital.
Prior to the death of Michael Burgmann, he campaigned for the upgrading of the old pits at the Mount Panorama Circuit. Michael Burgmann left behind his wife Gaye and four young children and extended family.
Career results
Michael Burgmann placed 65th at the Australian Endurance Championship in 1983. He also competed in the AMSCAR Series in 1983 and 1984. For the 1983 edition, he placed 9th and placed 7th in the 1984 edition of the AMSCAR Series. He also competed in the 1984, 1985, and 1986 editions of the Australian Touring Car Championship. In all, he competed in five Australian Touring Car Championships and he placed 30th, 11th, 66th, 30th and 46th.
