I'm sure it's not news to you that Australia lost a big personality in the motorcycle industry a few weeks ago, Ken Wootton. It's surprised me how deeply effected I was by this, and the sadness that I felt. I met Ken at the Australian MotoGP in 1999 when I was 15, and went with dad. Earlier that year Valentino Rossi had 'tweeked' Fred Gassit's goolies, and I was determined to do the same thing. (Fred Gassit is a cartoon character from Australian Motorcycle News, and looks like a dog. Every now and then 'Fred' would pop up at a MotoGP somewhere, if you haven't seen his classic lines, I'd recommend you check him out!)
Dad and I hunted Fred down at in the expo tent, and while I was getting my photo taken with him dad said "now go for the goolies!" The man in the suit was very surprised I think, this 15 year old girl doing something her idol had done, her knowing about it, and her dad encouraging it! I also managed to get kisses on the cheek from about 8 riders that weekend, as dad patiently waiting in the autograph cue with me, once again encouraging me to live my dream, not to mention taking photos of all of it!
On the Sunday we saw the 'Gassitmobile', and Ken was standing close by. I sneaked into the drivers seat for a quick photo before Ken came around the corner just as I hopped out. He recognised me, grabbed both my hands, and started almost doing the tango. "Keep those hands where I can see them, I know all about you", he laughed as dad took a photo.
That is the only time I've met Ken, but that brief moment where he made me feel included, almost into a secret club, and spoke to me about the Grand Prix (as I must remember it was called in those days!), he left an everlasting impression about people who are in the industry. I also know that I've been to events that he has tirelessly fought for, and my dad has raced in events that he's created.
I feel like he's done so much, and I'm eternally grateful for it. I also feel like there are impossible boots to fill... but can I fill some of them?
This is an industry I'm always saying I love, and will fight passionately for. But I need to start putting my money where my mouth is, and do something with all this passion that I have. I'm still not sure what that is, but I think it has to start online, and also has to start with me volunteering at more events.
All I know is that I need to start doing something. I tried to find Ken at the Australian MotoGP last year, but he hasn't in his garage when I walked passed. I wanted to tell him I'm still coming here, 11 years later, and even by myself as I have no one to go with... but I still love this event. Tell him how 1999 made such a difference in my life, and maybe do the tango for old times sake :P
If anyone has any ideas on what I should do to unleash this passion I have inside me, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
In the mean time, I am going to keep on writing in here in the build up to the Australian MotoGP... only 66 more sleeps!!
Thanks!! :)
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