Lukey Luke retires from stunt riding
Lukey Luke has officially announced his retirement from stunt riding, with a regular schedule at Australian motor events for his final stunt appearance at the Australian Superbike World Circuit at Phillip Island , from November 18 to 20.
The Island is a regular event for Lukey, and it won’t return to the racing schedule later than usual after a two-year absence from Australia.
It will also have a very special meaning for Lukey as he makes his final appearance riding professional stunts before retiring on Sunday night.
After a nearly 20-year professional stunt career, the father-of-two decided to end his tenure. In recent times, his recent business ventures have, by necessity, taken up more of his time and taken away the training and practice of stunt racers vital to maintaining maintain a leading position in the sport.
“Lukey” Luke Follacchio
“I feel especially fortunate to be able to end my career this way. Even though the old body isn’t 100%, I can still give it my all at the shows and this last weekend is going to be epic! It has been a wonderful journey and there are so many people to thank. If I was young enough to see what I could do, where I could perform, and the friends and fans I would make along the way – then, like me, he would be excited. encourage!
“My family has been there every step of the way from my earliest days until now and without them I would never have been able to make this strange sport my career. It is impossible to express my gratitude to all my sponsors along the way. I always try to give more than I get and never take their generosity and support for granted.
“Finally, to my fans and followers- thank you! When I started, there was no Facebook, no Instagram and I ended my career with about 3/4 million fans worldwide! While I love having this type of social media following, there’s nothing wrong with seeing people at events and delivering the best possible show for them. That’s still my biggest thrill. So while it’s a great time to look back, I’m determined to have a great weekend at The Island- one last time!”
For all the retirement talk, this weekend isn’t the end of Lukey’s involvement in the motor industry. Fans will still be able to follow Lukey and his antics in the media and motorcycle news as he takes on the role of brand ambassador with Peter Stevens Importers.
“Lukey” Luke Follacchio
“It is great to be able to continue to be involved in the industry through PSI – a company I have always felt like family with, having worked with them for so many years during my long time with Triumph Motorcycles.”
Nigel Harvey, Head of Marketing and E-Commerce at PS Importers
“Having known Lukey for the past 15 years and sponsoring him for the past six, it has been amazing to see how his stunt riding, business and family interests change over time. While his retirement marks the end of one of the most famous stunt riders in Australian history, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for Luke. At PS Importers, we are proud to be a family business and Luke is part of that family. His passion, enthusiasm, and two-wheeler skills are contagious and seeing him sling one foot on any bike makes you want to ride. It is for this reason that we continue to partner with Luke, to share the joy of riding with our customers, friends and family. Grazie mio caro amico.”
Luke will also continue to own and operate Benzina Garage, his famous Preston motorcycle workshop, and a new joint venture, Benzina Stables, a high-end motorcycle and car storage facility that focuses on high-end motorcycles and cars. enthusiasts.
The Benzina Stables will officially launch in the coming months.
The World Superbikes Phillip Island Round takes place at Phillip Island from November 18-20, 2022. For information and tickets see: https://www.worldsbk.com.au
