A Strathalbyn motorcycling legend will be recognised on the national stage this week, with Kenny Blake set to be inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
The late rider is one of six members of the 2026 induction class, which will be honoured at a ceremony on Thursday the 5th of March at Albert Park during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend. Seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup is also among those being inducted.
Blake grew up in Strathalbyn and began racing a 1964 Triumph in 1966. After leaving school he worked as an apprentice panel beater at Gilbert Motors, honing his skills locally before moving to Melbourne to pursue greater opportunities. With the backing of sponsors and supporters, he went on to win 11 Australian national and international motorcycling titles.
In 1981, during what was planned to be his final race before retirement, Blake was competing in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy when his Yamaha TZ350 hit a wet patch, aquaplaned and crashed. He died instantly on the 9th of June 1981, aged 32.
More than four decades on, Blake remains a revered figure in South Australian motorsport. An annual festival of motorcycling is held in his honour in Strathalbyn, celebrating both the man and his achievements on the track.
Locals and visitors can also pay tribute year-round, with a sculpture of Blake standing on the corner of Grey and High streets in Strathalbyn. The striking artwork, created by Goolwa artist James Stewart, is made from welded mechanical parts and serves as a lasting reminder of the town’s most famous rider.
Photo: Grant Chandler / Gilbert’s Motor Museum. Statue of Kenny Blake in Strathalbyn with two of his early racing bikes parked next to the sculpture. The bikes are on display in at Gilbert’s Motor Museum (courtesy of Motorcycling Australia).
