The news came as a shock. Ralf “Waldi” Waldmann is no longer with us. His partner, Heike, found the two-time motorcycle world championship runner-up lifeless in his parents’ home in Ennepetal. The trained plumber had gone there to repair the heating system. Heike, a trained first responder, tried to resuscitate him, but to no avail. Waldi was only 51 years old.
Waldi was a real character. One of Germany’s best racers. A crowd favorite. He raced by the motto: “Win the trophy or end up in the hospital.” And he holds a bizarre record. Waldi is the rider with the most Grand Prix wins who never became world champion. Twice, it almost happened on the HB-Honda. But the runner-up in the 250cc class in 1996 and 1997 lost to Max Biaggi both years—once by six points and once by just two.
Waldi was crazy about racing
Waldi was crazy when it came to racing. After a traffic accident on his moped, he was effectively out of commission, as a fixation device was stabilizing his broken tibia and calf. Nevertheless, he had traveled to the Nürburgring for his home Grand Prix in 1988. Theoretically, he should never have been allowed to ride with the brace, but he didn’t even bother to check in with the doctors at the Medical Center. Unfortunately, he crashed during the race and ended up on a stretcher. The doctors couldn’t believe their eyes when they examined him under his wide-leg pants. Waldi was immediately suspended for a few races.
Waldi had a burning passion for racing; he was a rain god and a true fighter. After the 2000 season, his days as a professional racer were over. But he just couldn’t give it up. He made appearances in the IDM and ADAC Classic events. And he helped launch the career of two-time IDM champion Markus Reiterberger. As a discoverer, a mentor, a supporter. He thought the world of Reiti and helped him wherever he could. Waldi was incredibly helpful, without ever thinking of himself.
A true thoroughbred racer
He never would have thought that after his playing career he’d end up on the other side of the pit lane. He was really surprised when Eurosport hired him as a TV analyst starting in 2016. But he rose to the challenge and added some spice to the otherwise emotionless discussions. Waldi also played along 
He didn’t act like a hired expert, but spoke his mind as always, with a smile that lit up his whole face. Sometimes he’d come out with hilarious lines that made you chuckle, but that was just Waldi: honest, disarming, and radiant. His sunny disposition saved more than a few broadcasts.
The job at Eurosport really got him back on track. After his racing career, Waldi had invested in MZ, but he fell out with boss Martin Wimmer and pulled out. He worked as a race mechanic and a jack-of-all-trades for BMW’s IDM Superbike team. He married former race car driver Astrid Grünfelder and built a life with her in Bavaria. They have a son together, Leo. The marriage fell apart. Waldi returned to North Rhine-Westphalia and had been happily married to his Heike for three years. His job at Eurosport fulfilled him. He knew everyone at the racetrack. And everyone knew him.
The die-hard racer with the grin on his face is now doing laps somewhere else. But I'm sure he's having a blast there, too. We'll miss him here.
Ralf Waldmann will be buried on March 20, 2018, at the cemetery in Ennepetal, right next to his parents' family grave.