KTM loses its favourite 'T'

The Trunkenpolz family has been at the heart of KTM, from Hans Trunkenpolz (Senior) who started the metalworking workshop in Mattighoffen to Hubert Trunkenpolz, who is in the current KTM Board of Directors.

Apart from being the son of KTM's founder, Trunkenpolz lived a life dedicated to the passion of motorsport. His most illustrious achievement was making KTM come out of nowhere in the cross-country rallying scene and then leading the team to eight successive victories at the Dakar Rally. He is also credited with discovering and nurturing KTM's multi-time motocross champion Heinz Kinigardner, who is now an active part of the big orange's motorsport division.

After his retirement in December 2008, Trunkenpolz had developed a special affinity for long distance running. He was an experienced and well-trained marathon runner. Midway through the Alotling half-marathon however, he developed chest pains and suffered from the massive heart attack that took his life. ZigWheels' condolences go out to KTM and the Trunkenpolz family, who have lost their favourite "Trupo".