Disappointing end at Bathurst for Brock.

Mount Panorama always provides a spectacular days racing, but for Peter Brock - on his final appearance in the event - the 2004 Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000 was spectacular for all the wrong reasons.

The nine time winner was hopeful of ending his Bathurst career on a high in the #05 HRT car, alongside British Touring Car racer Jason Plato, but it was not to be as Plato was forced to retire just 27 laps in to the race.

Limping back to the pit lane with a damaged tyre, Plato was collected by Ford of fellow BTCC driver John Cleland, with the damage sustained making it impossible to continue.

"What a shocking day," he said. "I am really gutted with how the day panned out for us, and of course I am disappointed that this historic weekend did give us the result we had planned. We had some issues with our front right tyres, and I really felt the car leap off the line when I kissed the wall early on.

"The incident with Cleland was really unfortunate. I honestly thought I was off the racing line enough, and with the flags out, was just trying to make it back to base. It was such a shame, as the guys worked so hard over the weekend, and the #2 car also seemed to have a shocking run. But these things happen in racing and there is not much we can do about it. But the team is really dedicated and focussed and I know their luck will turn around!"

It left Brock to reflect afterwards on his final appearance at Bathurst, with the veteran left disappointed at not being able to take part in the race.

"Yet again, Bathurst serves up something spectacular," the Bathurst legend said afterwards. "Every year, it holds something in store for every team, and this year was our turn. Sadly it wasn't the result we were hoping for, however, I want to say how grateful I am to the Holden Racing Team and to Mark Skaife for the chance to be a part of this weekend. The team could not have done anymore to make both Jason and I feel more welcome.

"It was such a tough day for Jason out there, and I really believe he couldn't have done anything else in the situation. There were obviously some real dramas with our tyres throughout the day; however, today's result has provided a great opportunity to present a message to the general public, that there is always adversity in life. The key is to not have your expectations set too high, and you can always walk away from experiences without being too disappointed and focus on the positives. I have really enjoyed being back on the Mountain with the Holden Racing Team. It has been a special weekend."