Family, racing community lead tributes for father and 'extraordinary figure' in motorsport Tim Miles killed in bus crash

Sky News AU

a day ago

A cyclist who died in a crash with a bus outside a Sydney zoo has been remembered as a "family man" and an "extraordinary figure in Australian motorsport".
The cyclist, who has since been identified as businessman Tim Miles, died after he was hit by a bus on Bradleys Head Road in Mosman outside Taronga Zoo about 10.35am on Sunday.
Mr Miles, a corporate advisor and father of two daughters, was well-known in the motorsport community as a former co-owner of the Triple Eight Race Engineering team.
The New Zealand-born businessman also co-founded Tasman Motorsport.
In a statement confirming his death, Mr Miles' family said "the world has lost the bright, shining light".
"Tim was involved in a tragic and ultimately fatal accident this morning in Sydney while enjoying one of his favourite hobbies - cycling," the family said on Sunday.
"His loss is keenly felt by friends and family, especially wife Tracy, and daughters Caley and Erin."
Mr Miles was born in Ashburton on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island.
"Tim was a family man, though one who loved nothing more than stressing out his beloved Tracy about his latest motorsport-related purchase or adventure - all the while proudly telling stories of his two daughters' successes in life," his family said.
"His passing will be notably impactful on his other love - a motorsport community that felt Tim's impact as a competitor, an owner, a supporter and as a businessman for more than 35 years."
Mr Miles' family said he "initially chased the dream as a racing driver" before growing his successful business advisory firm named Miles Advisory Partners.
"It was through his success in business that allowed him to extend his passion for motorsport and his family, the two of which often intertwined," the family said.
Mr Miles once competed in one-make Porsche racing, as well as GT World Challenge Australia.
He recently raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours held in France, where he paid tribute to his family friend and New Zealand motorsport driver Rod McElrea.
Mr Miles' family also described him as a "key backer of the international careers" of young Australian and New Zealander stars, including Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.
"Tim was a fantastic storyteller, a man with a brilliant sense of humour and who showed genuine interest in the lives of those around him - whether he'd known them for years or just met them," his family said.
"His loss will be keenly felt by family and friends, the business community in which he worked and the motorsport community in which he lived."
Supercars said it extends its "deepest condolences" to Mr Miles' family, friends and colleagues during this time.
"Tim was an extraordinary figure in Australian motorsport - not just for his work behind the wheel, but for the immense influence he had off the track across more than two decades," the motorsport body said in a statement.
"As a corporate advisor and former team owner, Tim played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport."
The motorsport body said Mr Miles, through his company Miles Advisory Partners, was "instrumental" in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011.
"Our thoughts are with Tim's loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by the entire Supercars community," Supercars said.
Supercars noted Mr Miles competed this year in the Melbourne Performance Centre and Audi alongside New Zealander racing driver Brendon Leitch.
On Sunday, NSW Police said the bus driver was not injured in the crash and qA taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Four passengers on board the bus at the time were also not injured.
A crime scene was established, with specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit called to analyse the area on Sunday.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online as investigations continue.