\t\t\t\tWorld Enduro and GNCC champion Shane Watts inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
Shane Watts\u2019 enduro CV is outstanding and includes being the first Australian to win a world enduro title in 1997 and then blazing to class and outright honours in the 1998 International Six Days Enduro in Traralgon \u2013 just 60 kays up from his hometown of Maffra \u2013 on a KTM 125cc two-stroke.<\/p>\n
He famously also made a name for himself North America and riding a variety of models to prove his mettle and culminating in the GNCC title in 2000.<\/p>\n
When asked how he managed to build such an incredible career, Watts said he, \u201cdid it the hard way\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe journey from being a simple kid from out Maffra to getting across the world and end up winning a world championship was one I look back on with pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was about the good ol\u2019 Aussie spirit and saying I\u2019m not going to stop. A lot of resolve, a lot of tenacity \u2013 quite the journey really. I\u2019m very humbled and proud to be up on this stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacing had its ups and downs, like the usual flow of life, and although I had lots of injuries it was about getting back on the bike and keep charging forward and moving onto the next battle.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is a huge achievement, and I\u2019m lucky enough that I\u2019ve got my parents and one of my children here today, which is extra special. Being inducted into the Motorsport Hall of Fame is magnificent, but to have your parents proud of you and being able to inspire your children is equally as special.\u201d<\/p>\n
And his advice for the next generation of enduro racers? \u201cIt\u2019s an old clich\u00e9, but everyone says go out and have fun. It\u2019s really what you need to do: savour the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame is the highest honour in Australian motorsport. It is an exclusive honour-roll made up of less than one inductee for each of the 125 years motorsport has occurred in Australia.<\/p>\n
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