Former Australian Touring Car Champion John Bown has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The two-time winner of the Bathurst 1000 made the announcement on social media last night. Fortunately, the 66-year-old is not experiencing any symptoms.
“Time to shift the focus away from motorsport and talk men’s health again for a moment,” wrote Bowe.
“Remember a while ago I encouraged all men over 40 to get yearly check-ups regarding prostate cancer?
“Well, guess what? I have been, and have now been confirmed to have it.
“I feel fine and have no signs, but it’s there, and I must do something about it.
“So don’t put it off just because you don’t feel any symptoms.
“I have my first treatment on Tuesday at the new Peter McCallum Cancer Clinic in North Melbourne.
“After that I’m not sure because there are several options.”
After his successful tenure in the ATCC and the Supercars championship, Bowe has been a regular front runner in the Touring Car Masters series.
A five-time champion in the category, Bowe recently became the first driver to notch 100 race wins.
Despite now battling health issues, Bowe says he is determined to see out the rest of the season, which resumes with the Mount Panorama 500 later this month.
“As our Touring Car Masters season continues at Bathurst in a few weeks time, I’m unsure of what effect it will have on that,” he said.
“But I’ll be racing at the mountain come hell or high water!
“I’ve never been one to pass up an opportunity to drive at that amazing racetrack.”
From his record 225 ATCC/Supercar starts, Bowe claimed 15 race victories and 51 podiums.
He ran 11 seasons with Dick Johnson Racing, scoring both of his Bathurst 1000 triumphs alongside legendary team owner Dick Johnson.