Georg Hack, a longtime speedway racer, has passed away and prompted tributes from those in the motorsports world. He was 76.
Videos by FanBuzz
A hero in Germany, Hack passed away on Monday, Nov. 2. His home club, AC Landshut, announced the news but did not provide a cause of death. The news prompted tributes from those who fondly remembered "Bretter-Schorsch" (Schorsch the Plank).
Born on Feb. 2, 1950, Hack began competing in 1970. He made the Speedway Bundesliga his playground as he began winning races for his home club, and he played a major role in German team titles.
He scored wins at the speedway in 1974, 1977-79, 1982, 1984, and 1986. He finished second in 1980-81 and 1983.
Georg Hack.
20th Feb 1950 - 2nd Nov 2026
Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/SEd2XgoTMc— Upright Speedway (@UprightSpeedway) November 2, 2026
He also fascinated competitors and fans alike as he picked a racing line and stuck with it regardless of the outcome. This led to him hitting the boards multiple times.
The German achieved more success in the 1980s while scoring World Championship bronze medals at London's White City and Olching, his home track. Hack also competed in three world finals in 14 days in 1982.
This stretch began in London. It continued at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. He then competed in the world final in Korskro, Denmark.
While Hack never won the German Speedway Championship, he put himself in contention multiple times. He finished second in 1979, third in 1981, and third in 1982.
Hack's active riding career ended in 1985, but he remained heavily involved in the sport. According to Speedweek, he began working at BMW and helped design the BMW S1000RR superbike. He also coached at his home club, AC Landshut, and he served as team manager of the German national speedway team.
It was during his time as a coach that Hack made a major impact on the next generation of speedway riders.
"It is with deep sorrow and great shock that AC Landshut bids farewell to one of its most defining figures: our long-standing idol, Georg 'Schorsch' Hack, has passed away at the age of 76," the club said in a statement.
"Schorsch Hack was far more than just an outstanding speedway rider; for decades, he was the heart and soul of our club. With an indomitable fighting spirit, an intuitive feel for the track, and a down-to-earth nature, he etched his name into the history books of German motorsport — and, above all, into the hearts of Landshut's speedway fans — during the golden era of AC Landshut.
"Yet, his extraordinary commitment to AC Landshut did not end with his active racing career. Even away from the oval, he continued to serve the 'Devils' with undiminished passion. As coach of the first team, he drew upon his vast wealth of experience to guide the squad through thrilling championship battles, while as a youth coach, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the next generation.
"Generations of young talents learned from him not only technique and racing tactics but also the value of athletic discipline. Furthermore, as a long-serving member of the board, he played a pivotal role in shaping the club, steering its fortunes with foresight, energy, and a profound love for the organization.
"'In Schorsch Hack, the 'Devils' family loses not only one of our greatest figures — both on and off the track — but also a loyal friend, a mentor, and a driving force. It is difficult to put into words everything he contributed to AC Landshut as a rider, coach, and board member. In these difficult times, our deepest sympathies go out to his family and all his loved ones,' stated the club's leadership."
