The world of power boat racing has gone in to mourning with the tragic deaths of two of the sports best.
McCosker and US national Dave Bryant, died in separate accidents over the weekend at the Taree Easter Classic.
At this stage it is believed catastrophic engine failure caused both boats to flip, catapulting the men from their racing boat at speeds over 200 kph.
The president of the Australian Powerboat Association, Glenn Banks, says McCosker lifted the sport to a whole new level.
"For us to lose Brian McCosker would probably be very, very like car racing losing Peter Brock," he said.
"He was a wonderful man off the track and the ultimate professional on the track.
"He was the nice guy that everybody liked. He was in the top class but some of his best friends were in some of the smaller classes. He always had time for people.
"His professionalism, his speed, his preparation were second to none. Brian just took the sport to a whole new level."
The loss will hit most in the tight knit power boating industry and will be touched by McCosker in one way or another.
Fans have been paying tribute to McCosker, the 2007 world unlimited displacement champion, and Bryant in online forums such as Dragster and OzBoatRacers.
McCosker's daughter Angela responded to some of the posts, saying she was proud of her father.
"Your kind words and condolences are muchly appreciated by myself, my brother Brad, my mother Ros and the rest of our families," she wrote.
"Obviously it is a very sad time for all of us and the support we have received has been tremendous.
"We are truly proud of Dad's achievements in racing and as a person. He was a wonderful man!"
Source: Abc.net.au
