Adam Plate, owner of Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse killed in tragic rally accident on Friday
This article includes corrections 30/8/2012:
The tragic death of Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse owner Adam Plate at the Targa Adelaide Championship Rally on Friday 24 August has numbed the outback town of Coober Pedy and local pastoral districts.
The many pastoral families and remote town’s folk who have known Adam since he arrived at Oodnadatta in 1974 with his then girlfriend Lynnie Trevillian, are still coming to grips with the loss of their outback icon.
When news of the shocking accident reached the Far North on Friday, Mayor Steve Baines of Coober Pedy turned his thoughts immediately to the Plate family.
“On behalf of the residents of Coober Pedy I extend my condolences to Lynnie and the family. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.”
“Adam was a true outback legend who stood up for what he believed in and Outback South Australia is a better place because of him”, said Mayor Baines.
Adam Plate died tragically when the Mitsubishi Evo VII he was driving in the Targa Adelaide Championship Rally in southern Adelaide hit a tree and rolled down an embankment.
An eye witness said he saw Mr. Plate’s Mitsubishi slide around a sweeping left-hand bend at about 100 km/h and go into a slide, clipping a tree. The car then, flew through the air and rolled three times before landing in a paddock.
On Friday 30th August Patrick Chan said, “We actually hit two trees, a large gum tree and then a smaller tree, then we spun down the hill about 70 metres. We didn’t roll”.
The crash happened on Main Road at Chandlers Hill during the Clarendon stage of the rally in the Adelaide hills. It is believed that the wet road conditions were caused by rain.
The injured navigator Patrick Chan walked from the vehicle and was taken by ambulance to the Flinders Medical Centre after the accident which occurred just after 1pm (ACST).
Adam Plate and Patrick Chan were entered in the SUPALOC Early Modern event and were tipped to come in third by fellow rally enthusiasts.
On Tuesday 21 August Adam sent an enthusiastic picture to the Coober Pedy Regional Times from his iphone. Adam and Patrick had been busy preparing for the event.
Adam Plate and Patrick Chan on Tuesday preparing for 4 days of racing
Left: Adam Plate of the Pink Roadhouse and Pat Chan of Adelaide at scrutineering on Tuesday, preparing their 2001 Mitsubishi EVO7 for 4 days of hectic competition rally driving on closed public roads in the Adelaide Hills. The cars stickers promote the Oodnadatta Track area and SA Outback.
“We’re true to the outback,” said Adam. “We’re running a Four Wheel Drive!”
Rally organisers and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport have issued a statement, saying they are deeply saddened about the death and working with authorities as they investigate the circumstances.
Adam Plate and Trevor Wright with Adam’s 1983 Porsche Targa at the 2009 Classic Adelaide Tarmac Rally
In 2009 Adam and his close friend Trevor Wright of Wrightsair Air Charter at William Ck (navigator) entered Adam’s 1983 Porsche Targa into the 2009 Classic Adelaide Tarmac Rally to promote the Outback and for 4 days of hard driving through the Adelaide Hills. The class they entered was “Thorougbred Touring”.
Since their arrival at Oodnadatta 38 years ago, Adam and his wife Lynnie have revolutionized the way travelers are able to access the remotest of areas in the far north, fighting long and hard for better road conditions.
Travelers, 4wd explorers and locals have considered Adam to be synonymous with the outback. From his home and base at the the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta, Adam has rendered the outback safe and made it possible for 4wd’s to travel into the Simpson Desert.
With his wife Lynnie by his side, Adam provided a vital rescue and repair service, remote signage, mud maps, information as well as a warm fire or a swimming pool in times of flood, fire or extreme heat. Travellers found a home away from home there.
Adam continually lobbied the state government for better road conditions for pastoralists and travellers alike
The Oodnadatta Track was named by Adam Plate around 1980 to become consistent with the Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks which link together forming a fascinating tourist route.
The Pink Roadhouse is the travellers oasis in the desert, despite the remote areas folk still experience close to third world conditions. Adam has been the driving force behind all progress brought about in the outback during the last 38 years. Next to his family, the outback was the love of his life.
Adam leaves behind his wife Lynnie and three daughters, Alice, Tilly and Ruby. The far north communities will feel this loss for years to come.
Tribute to Adam (Newpaper CPRT) Pages 1, 7, 10, 11
E-Funeral Notice Adam Plate (PDF)
Categories: OODNADATTA News & Events
Coober Pedy Regional Times 
RIP Adam a sad sad day for all..
Rest in Peace Adam, You will have a good friend in Greg Meegan ( the cork ) who recently passed away to look after you. Long live motor sport.
We are all stunned and deeply saddened by this tragic loss to the outback and to the Plate family. We would like to convey our sincerest sympathy to everyone affected especially to Lynnie and the girls, from all of us at Radeka Downunder
RIP Adam, You will be sorely missed by all and in particular by Lynnie, Tilly, Ruby and Alice, our thoughts go out to your family, what a legend, what an Icon and what a darn good bloke. Deepest Sympathies from all of us at Old Timers Mine, Coober Pedy.
What a loss! This untimely accident has left us speechless. We extend our love and support to Lynnie, Alice Tilly and Ruby.
John’s Pizza Bar family and staff
Nick, Maxine, Peter, Stephen and all
RIP Adam, You will be sorely missed by all, We are all stunned and deeply saddened by this tragic loss, our thoughts go out to your family, from the Talbot family Coober Pedy
RIP Adam. Sincere sympathies extended to Lynnie and whanau. Kia kaha. Arohanui Lana Temara (RN)
The William Creek community extend their sincere condolences to Lynnie, Alice, Tilly and Ruby on the tragic loss of Adam. We acknowledge his passion and commitment to the people of the remote outback of South Australia and his expertise in the iconic signage of the Oodnadatta Track over many years.
Adam, what can we say that hasn’t already said. You have had a huge impact on the Outback and always voiced your opinion about subjects you were passionate about. I’m sure many travelers would owe THEIR lives to you for your advise and assistance on outback travel.
We’ll miss your dry sense of humor and quirky comments, but your legacy will live on Adam, we’ll make bloody sure of that!
Dave, Mel, Karen & Jeff
Mt Dare Hotel
Adam, your signs gave me confidence that I was on the right track back in the days when there were far fewer Highways Department signs. I always appreciated those pink beacons. I found your advice about tyre pressures and the like spot-on. You’ll be missed. I used to like hearing you on the radio in the mornings when Regional ABC would go to the top for local information.
My sympathy goes to you, Lynnie, in this sad time.
Sue Britt, former SOTA itinerant teacher
Adam was a unique character who has left an indelible mark across the outback. His vision andpassion have seen the area become a popular tourist destination. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynnie and their daughters Alice, Tilly and Ruby. Jackie and Tony Williams, Mount Barry Station.
We are the richer for knowing Adam in both work and social settings. A larger than life character with a passion for the bush—-Thanks Adam for your contribution to our lives!
Our love to Lynnie, Alice, Tilly and Ruby. May God give you Peace…Sincerely, Jeanette and Garry Coombes, Goolwa
Can’t imagine an Oodnadatta without Adam. RIP Adam. Our thoughts are with Lynnie and family.
John and Jeanie Badman and Ron Roesch
My Gosh, as a business housing a VIC we pointed visitors heading in the Oodnadatta direction to the Pink Roadhouse for info & direction. Lynnie & Family, The Big Rig Complex & VIC in Roma Qld are thinking of you…
R I P Adam. Thanks for the info and the great hospitality you and family gave to me and my fellow travellers .
Alan Sellars GETLOST OUTBACK TOURS
Our condolences to Lynnie & family and to the Oodnadatta Community for their loss. As one of the countless travellers who pass along the Oodnadatta Track, we remember & appreciate the amicable advice & assistance extended to all by this amazing family.
Just read the very sad news. Deepest condolences to Lynnie and family.
Oodnadatta and Australia has lost a great man…