Suddenly and unexpectedly, on June 21, 2023, our long-time racing colleague Lutz passed away. A message that leaves us all stunned. Lutz was only 57 years old. Since 2001 he has been working in the motorsport department of our then still young company KW automotive GmbH.
As head of department, Lutz built up the motorsport department with his colleagues and, together with his team, laid the foundation for the countless motorsport successes of our KW Competition customers – be it on the mountain, on the circuit or in rallies.
Mister KW Competition
Whether at touring car championships such as ETCC, STCC or WTCC, VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring, ADAC GT Masters, FIA Hill Climb Cup, Truck Grand Prix and the 24-hour race Nürburgring and 24-hour race Spa-Francorchamps – with his KW Race Service Team Lutz was as ” Mister KW Competition” on site. He was a unique character and worked with the big and small of that time:
Personalities such as Alessandro Zanardi, Augusto Farfus, Claudia Hürtgen, Fabrizio Giovanardi, Franz Engstler, Gabriele Tarquini, Georg Plasa, Ernst Thierfelder, Uwe Geipel, Ellen Lohr, Lutz Bernau, Tom Schirmer, Rolf Derscheid, Mario Hebler, Andreas Herwerth, James Glickenhaus, Johannes Scheid, John Nielsen, Klaus Abbelen, Martin Raeder, Nicolas Raeder, Olaf Manthey, Pedro Lamy, Reto Meisel, Robert Lechner, Sabine Schmitz, Hans-Joachim “Striezel” Stuck, Timo Bernhard, Torsten Schubert, Volker Strycek and many, many other.
During Lutz’ work, our motorsport customers won numerous championships and even more races. A development that Lutz has promoted in the long term and on the foundation of which we can continue to build.
Lutz’ great professional passion was motorsport in all its facets, with the Nordschleife and the motorsport players there being particularly close to his heart.
You could feel this in every conversation. It’s no wonder that Lutz, with his specialist knowledge, was the support for motorsport customers, dealers, importers, branches and mentor for our junior staff. He was happy to pass on his knowledge.
Whether at the KW headquarters in Fichtenberg or on the racetracks – Lutz lived and shaped the down-to-earth KW spirit. He didn’t make a big difference whether he was in dialogue with factory-supported customer sports teams, explaining something to gentleman drivers, giving tips to racing mechanics, talking to journalists at trade fairs or teaching our trainees the elementary chassis basics.
Over the years, Lutz has treated everyone professionally at eye level with his cheerful warmth, no matter where in the world.
Everywhere Lutz has gained the greatest recognition and appreciation from our large customer sports teams, the small private motorsport customers, the specialist trade partners and at KW automotive.
One who always had an eye open to the wishes and demands of our customers, while also being ready for some fun.
In memory of Lutz Passon, during the DTM weekend in Zandvoort, motorsport clients such as KÜS Team Bernhard, Manthey EMA, Schubert Motorsport, and Toksport WRT paid tribute to Lutz Passon. A truly strong gesture.
Like his companions from the motorsport world, we hold Lutz in our hearts and cherish our memories with him.
We extend our condolences and sympathy at this difficult time for his family, and everyone close to him.
Goodbye, Lutz
