THE Australian motorcycle industry is mourning the death of former racer and long-time journalist Ken Wootton, who died on Sunday, July 24, while in Europe. He was 57.

Mr Wootton (aka ‘Woose’) was well known as a motorcycle racing commentator, including World Superbike and MotoGP races at Phillip Island, and as an editor at ACP magazines, particularly Australian Motorcycle News (AMCN) and, more recently, Australian Motorcycle Trader.

He was also a mentor to many aspiring racers, motoring journalists and others in the industry.

A statement from his family published on the Motorcycling Australia website said Mr Wootton died suddenly while overseas.

“We’re all deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Ken’s death … it’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us,” the statement said. “It’s been a horrible day, but we have been completely overwhelmed at the kindness of all who knew Ken.

“We have been touched by the outpouring of support from those who tell us how Ken assisted them in their careers or about his generosity in the sharing of his knowledge and his passion for motorcycling, and on the many comments about his sense of humour and the warmth of his friendship.

“We’ve had so many calls from people who knew him, reflecting on what he meant to them, and it has been a great help.

“We’d like to thank the entire motorcycling fraternity for their support. It means a lot during this incredibly difficult and sad time.”

Managing director of Australian Superbike Championship promoter IEG, Yarrive Konsky, described Mr Wootton as a “humble legend”.

“Ken Wootton, without a doubt, loved motorcycle racing and the charters in it more than anyone I have known,” he said.

“Without prejudice he would help those that were willing to help the riders, sport and industry he entrusted his entire life to, and that included me and my entire staff.

“Ken showed his true character and never deferred or neglected those he cared for. His selfless acts of kindness were genuine and untainted.

“He will live on in our hearts, minds and in the sport of motorcycling forever.”

Motorcycling Australia CEO David White said Mr Wootton was a “significant contributor to motorcycle sport in Australia, both professionally and personally”.

“He was a forthright person, with strong views and convictions, and an incredibly sharp sense of humour, meaning he more often than not got the last word,” he said.

“Ken had a tremendous ability to mix with people of all levels, from club level competitors to world champions, and over the many years he was involved in the sport he touched so many lives.

“He was passionate about improving the sport, and was consistently involved particularly in road racing and historic road racing in so many ways.

“Ken is a truly an irreplaceable figure in our sport, and one that will be very sorely missed.”

AMCN Editor Sam Maclachlan paid tribute to Mr Wootton, describing him as “the man who set AMCN on its successful modern course” and someone who “possessed an incredible motorcycling and Australian road-racing knowledge no-one can rival, helped many Australian road racers on their path to success and tested all genres of motorcycles”.

“He achieved a lot in his too-short 57 years, and has left some massive shoes to fill,” Mr Maclachlan said.

“Everyone at AMCN is thinking of his sister Karen, and all those who knew the Woose. He was a real character of Australian motorcycling and will be missed around the motorcycling world.”

By Terry Martin