In Memory of Stig Pettersson
December 21st 2022
We are saddened to announce the passing of our former colleague, Stig Pettersson. Stig was a valued member of the Öhlins family for almost 40 years, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and associates within the motorsport community.
A respected figure in motocross, off-road, and road racing, Stig was instrumental in forming the racing heritage that defines Öhlins to this day. After setting his personal racing ambitions aside in the late 1970s, Stig decided to pursue a career on the technical side of racing. He started off as the mechanic for World Motocross Champion Brad Lackey before joining Öhlins in 1983, when he was hired to be the suspension technician for Yamaha’s Motocross and Road Racing teams.
Over the following decades, Stig remained under contract with Öhlins USA, fine-tuning the suspension of some of the world’s top racing teams, including Fast by Ferrachi, Team Muzzy, Erion Racing, Ducati Austin, Vance & Hines, Yoshimura Suzuki, M4 Racing, Team Michael Jordan, and Team Corona. In 1990, using the knowledge and experience he gained from the racing circuits, Stig opened his own Öhlins dealership and service center, Pettersson Pro Suspension, in Anaheim, California.
In 2010, Stig accepted a full-time position at Öhlins USA and relocated to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he stayed until his retirement in 2020. In addition to working with their team of motocross and off-road technicians, Stig lent his expertise to support with training programs and the development of new suspension components.
When remembering Stig, Kenth Öhlin said: “Stig was a beloved colleague who will be remembered for his technical gifts and contributions to the long legacy of racing at Öhlins. He devoted his career to helping all racers and riders, from everyday motorcyclists to World Superbike Champions, get the most out of their Öhlins suspension.”
At this time, our thoughts go out to Stig’s loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.