German Speedway Icon Georg Hack Passes Away at 76

Georg "Schorsch" Hack, one of the most influential figures in German speedway and a legendary icon of AC Landshut, passed away on the morning of November 2, 2026, at the age of 76. His longtime club officially announced his death with deep sorrow and dismay, remembering him as a cornerstone of the sport's golden era.

Born in Landshut on February 2, 1950, Hack began his active racing career in the 1970s. He quickly established himself as a fierce competitor in the Speedway Bundesliga, securing multiple titles with Landshut and also spending time racing abroad, including stints with the Ipswich Witches in the United Kingdom during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Known for his fearless riding style right along the track boundaries, Hack earned the affectionate nickname "Bretter-Schorsch" or "Schorsch the Plank." AC Landshut highlighted his unique style in a public statement, noting that he captured the hearts of fans through his unyielding fighting spirit, exceptional track sense, and humble character.

Hack enjoyed his competitive peak during the early 1980s. He played a pivotal role in the German national team, winning a World Championship bronze medallion in Olching in 1981 and following it up with another bronze in 1982 in London. In 1982, he accomplished the rare feat of competing in three world finals within a span of fourteen days, participating in the Speedway World Championship final in Los Angeles and the Long-Track World Championship final in Denmark alongside the team event.

After concluding his active racing career in 1985, Hack transitioned into engineering and design at BMW. In this capacity, he contributed significantly to the development of the company's first BMW S1000RR superbike, demonstrating his technical expertise beyond the racing circuit.

Hack never truly left the sport he loved. He remained closely involved with AC Landshut as a coach and board member, dedicating himself to mentoring younger generations. He also served as the team manager for the German national speedway team, passing down his vast tactical knowledge and instilling strict athletic discipline in upcoming riders.

The club paid tribute to his immense contributions to youth development and team success, emphasizing that generations of young athletes learned vital racing techniques and sportsmanship directly from him. Tributes and condolences continue to pour in from the motorsports community as family, friends, and fans mourn the loss of a true German racing legend.