RIP Graeme Monds

Karting has lost a legend, and many have lost a true friend.

At 1pm yesterday, Graeme Monds passed away. A Life Member of the Gippsland Go Kart Club and also Karting Victoria, he was a former speedway racer and karter, plus one of the most respected officials to have ever put on the fluro vest.

I ‘ve penned a tribute on behalf of the Gippsland Club, which can be found below, with photos.

From a personal perspective, I’ve known Graeme since he and Jeanette appeared on the karting scene around 1987, when the Gippsland club started using the new track on Tramway Rd in Morwell.

As he has with who-knows how many other racers, Graeme was keen to get involved with other people’s business. By that I mean, he took a genuine interest in what you were doing.

Having struck a solid friendship through karting, he and Jeanette supported me as I attempted to make something happen in car racing. They were always there in some capacity as I competed in Formula Vee, then Formula Ford and full circle back to karting, plus when I went HQ racing on the Thunderdome with Butch Jones.

For this I will be forever grateful.

More importantly, there was a solid friendship with someone who just loved to go racing.

It was heart-breaking to watch your health decline. I’m so thankful you’ve been part of my life. You’re going to be missed by many, and never forgotten by any.

Rest In Peace, Graeme Monds.

Mark Wicks
KartSportNews

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Graeme Monds – Gippsland Go Kart Club

With great sadness, the Gippsland Go Kart Club acknowledges the passing on Tuesday of popular Life Member, Graeme Monds.

The man many simply called “Mondsy”, got into karting around the time the Gippsland club began to use the then-new Tramway Park circuit in Morwell.

He soon became a pillar of the club, actively involved with on and off-track issues. It wasn’t long before he was guiding the club’s affairs and slotted into the position of President, a role he undertook for an unprecedented number of years.

It was during this time the club purchased the property on which the track sits, expanded and improved the pit area and built the huge club rooms and cafeteria we enjoy today.

Monds commenced racing in the 100cc Clubman Yamaha classes before progressing to the Twin Clubman machines which he raced successfully locally and interstate.

When Graeme’s driving career scaled back, he moved to race administration duties and became one of the highest ranked and most respected race officials in the country.

He was the regular Clerk of Course at our club race days, plus other events around Victoria and interstate, including the heyday years of the Rotax Pro Tour.

Graeme was a hugely popular and much respected official. A tough racer himself, he was there for the competitors, preferring to guide, advise and educate before handing out penalties. He wanted things to be fair, but also wanted the competitors to enjoy their racing, just as he had back in the day.

Graeme and wife Jeanette were a real team. They’d been together since they were 18 years old and Jeanette was fully involved with Graeme’s racing. Working on the speedway cars, getting the Twin Clubman ready for the next race, and keeping Graeme spotless and with a cup of tea in hand, his pit crew was the envy of many in the paddock!

In addition to working at our club, the duo travelled the country to help other clubs and promoters run their events. Deservedly, both were recipients of Life Membership to the Gippsland Go Kart Club.

Further, Graeme was awarded Life Membership to the Victorian Karting Association (now Karting Victoria) in 2015.

Next time you’re in the club rooms, go and have a read of the honour boards hanging from the walls. Graeme’s name is up there, a LOT. His legacy at this club, and karting in general, will never be forgotten.

Prior to karting, Graeme had a long history racing speedway in various sedan classes. After discovering karting, his interest and involvement in speedway continued, attending many events as crew and spectator, plus the annual pilgrimage to the Sprintcar Classic in Warrnambool. He retained a finger in the competitive side of speedway, sponsoring and supporting David Anderson and his son, former karter Grant Anderson in Sprintcars for many years.

Graeme was born with just one kidney. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated as this began to fail. In 2016 he underwent a lifesaving kidney transplant, thanks to fellow kart club member, Leonie Curley.

Despite the challenges he faced, Graeme’s character and sense of humour remained. It wasn’t long before he was back at the track, running the show once more.

In September 2024 the club further acknowledged Graeme and Jeanette’s huge contribution to the sport and the club by renaming the main start-finish straight in their honour.

Even with the health issues, Graeme was still a regular at the track on club days. He loved the racing and the people involved. But it was the kids who gave him the most satisfaction, watching them progress through the sport and develop not just their driving skill, but also valuable life skills.

Over the course of many years he witnessed and assisted countless young karters on their journey from Cadets to junior then senior karting, and in some cases, on to professional car racing.

Graeme’s passing is a massive loss to the club, karting and the wider motorsport community. We extend our condolences to Jen, his beloved wife of almost 57 years, and his wide circle of friends and family. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

Despite failing health and continual medical appointments and procedures, Graeme made it across to Warrnambool in January to meet up with friends and soak in the atmosphere of the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.

Sadly, it turned out to be the final time.

Vale Graeme Monds, 28/5/47 – 25/3/25.

Funeral Arrangements

A service will be held on Friday, 4 April at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services, 437a Princes Drive, Morwell, commencing at 11am. (The venue is actually on Brisbane St and across the highway from Kernot Hall and the lake.)

For those who can’t make it, there will be a live stream – click HERE.