<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>01.09.2009</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newstitle">KTM mourns the passing of Hans Trunkenpolz</td> </tr> <tr> <td>The news of the completely unexpected death of Hans Trunkenpolz has been received by KTM with dismay and sadness. </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="10"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> The 65-year old died on Sunday following a heart attack suffered during a half marathon in Altötting, Bavaria. Hans Trunkenpolz retired in December 2008 following a professional life dedicated to motor sport and to KTM. The son of the company founder was himself a successful motor sports enthusiast as well as having discovered and nurtured motocross champion Heinz Kinigadner. He led KTM to eight successive victories in the Dakar Rally, which transformed KTM into the dominant brand in rally sport. Even after he left the company, as well as remaining closely connected to the brand and with motor sport, he was a passionate and well trained runner who was known for his competitiveness and sporting ambition. KTM above all mourns the loss of a wonderful human being. Our sympathy goes to the family of the unforgettableTrupo.</td> <td width="20"> </td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <table style="margin-top: 40px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td style="padding-top: 0px;"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Hans Trunkenpolz </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="30"> </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> From: http://www.ktmpress.com/news.100051.0.html?nodeID=107188&cHash=f1247209eb Ride in Peace, Hans.
Ive always liked KTMs,got my first one in 77,seem like a more sporting company then the big corporate japanese outfits and Ive never had any of the 11 KTMs Ive had since the first one ever have a big breakdown. RIP Hans and good job done well.
one thing i always admired about KTM is their passion for motorcycles and off-road racing- it's made the sport as a whole a lot better
Hans was part of KTM Royalty. He isn't looking for any flat roads, this much I'd wager. Very sad he did not get a full year out of retirement before being taken. Hopefully, his life was one filled with joy. Sympathies for his family.
Rest in peace. KTM owner for a couple of months now and grateful to all involved in producing such great motorcycles. Thanks!!! I looked up "KTM" to see what it stood for and it was something hard to remember, but sad to see one of the "T" family pass away....
I'm glad he was able to see the current success of KTM and all the work he put into the company come to fruition. We all benefit from KTM's recent ascendancy no matter what we ride.
I am sadder at learning of this. Since I was very young I dreamed of owning a KTM. Now that I have one I mourn the loss of the real one... Give Meoni a pat on the back for me while you're at it!
It sure seems like a lot of good ole boys are dying off lately. R.I.P. to a great legend, the sport will never be the same.
