Anthony Gobert, a former 500cc Grand Prix, World Superbike, and AMA Pro racer, passed away at the age of 48.
Gobert, the legendary Australian racer who made history by being the youngest rider to win a World Superbike race, was getting palliative care after being admitted to the hospital due to an unidentified illness.
The gifted rider was a fan favorite, but he battled addiction throughout his career. In 1997, he failed a drug test and lost his place on the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix squad.
His mother Suzanne Gobert posted on social media, “My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed away late this afternoon.”
From the day he was born till the day I passed away, I loved him. He was, to put it mildly, difficult at times, but he always had compassion and looked out for everyone. Regretfully, addiction runs strong in our families, and he was one of its victims.
“He made numerous attempts to improve, but he was never fully successful. I am really proud of him and grateful to everyone who brightened his life. You are aware of who you are.
Gobert’s career stretched from 1994 to 2006, during which time he finished on the podium multiple times in events all over the world.
At the age of 19, he became the youngest race winner in World Superbike history when he won the Speedway World Cup season’s last leg at Philip Island in 1994. Yuichi Takeda beat the record two years later.
