Shane Watts, Kenny Blake inducted into Australian Motorsport Halll of Fame

The late circuit racing champion, Kenny Blake, and former World Enduro Champion Shane Watts are the latest legends from the two-wheel world to be inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame. At a ceremony held during the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March, Watts was on hand to receive his Hall of Fame medallion, with Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle accepting on behalf of Blake.

Born in Strathalbyn, SA, in 1949, Kenny Blake rose to prominence in circuit racing in the late 1960s, winning national championships in 250cc, 350cc and 500cc classes. At the Castrol 6 Hour, Blake won back-to-back in 1973-74, then again in 1977. A year earlier, Blake defeated the legendary Giacomo Agostini at the Australian TT.

Blake’s international career commenced in 1977, where he usually raced in 250cc, 350cc and 500cc events at the same meet. Highlights included second at the 1979 Belgian 500cc GP, and fourth in the 1980 Isle of Man Junior TT. Blake was killed while competing in the 1981 Isle of Man TT.

Since his passing, friends and associates have established the Ken Blake Foundation to support up-and-coming Australian riders, while a statue was erected in Strathalbyn.

Shane Watts was born in Maffra, Victoria, in 1972. He gravitated toward motorcycles at a young age, progressing through club and state level enduro and motocross competition while still a junior. Australian Enduro Champion in 1993, Watts achieved six more national enduro titles, as well as the Australian 500cc MX Championship in 1996.

In 1997, Watts became the first Australian to win a World Enduro Championship, then was individual champion at the ISDE a year later. In GNCC competition in the US, Watts became the first non-American to win that championship in 2000, but injuries prevented him from achieving more titles.

Now based in the US, Watts runs the DirtWise Academy to train enduro, MX and adventure bike riders.

Other Hall of Fame entries this year included Jamie Whincup, Santo Rapisarda, Garry Connelly, and in a first for the honours list, Jack Brabham’s F1 World Championship-winning Repco Brabham BT19 car.