The subject of today’s In Focus is Monique Andrews, former Kilcoy stalwart and now President of the newly reformed Warwick & District Dirt Bike Club.
We asked her five questions:
In your officiating life, what track and in what role are we most likely to find you?
I have been volunteering at Kilcoy MX past 4-5 years. I started helping at sign-on and assisting with transponder checking, pegging, marshaling, and even acted in the Club Secretary role. Then in 2022 and 2023 I was nominated as Club Secretary but still helped as Assistant Race Secretary and managed the marshaling for the club. I loved my time with Kilcoy MX and have made so many wonderful friendships. I have now stepped into the role of President at WDDBC and am enjoying the challenges but am grateful for the awesome team that have come on board to help get us back up and running. Our team are doing great things at track, and I am sure people will be thrilled when we open the gates again. Not too much longer to wait and we will have bikes out on track!!
In what other capacities and/or locations have you acted?
I had a great time only recently at Conondale as the Assistant Race Secretary. It was a great opportunity to see how other clubs run and to learn new ideas. They were a great team and I enjoyed helping. I am always willing to lend a hand even at other clubs if I see they need help.
How did you come to find yourself officiating?
I started volunteering because I could see the team needed help. I know now from experience how every little bit of support helps, even if it is just an hour on the day. I can’t emphasize this enough. Most teams run with few crew so we need all the help we can get.
What keeps you coming back?
I keep coming back because I love motorsports, and in particular motocross. I love seeing the smiles on riders faces when they are out there getting amongst it. I also love the friendships made within the motocross community. You really do end up with a second family.
Who is the most amazing rider you’ve encountered along the way?
This one makes me emotional. The most amazing rider I have met along the way is the late Brayden Erbacher. Brayden had this way with people where he could connect with you no matter who you were or how old you were. If we were at the same track as Brayden he would always come over for a chat and a laugh, even if it was just me on my own. My family had so much respect for him because he was a great role model and ambassador for the sport not only for our own son but his peers alike. Even when faced with challenges he rose above it and pushed ahead. Brayden had an infectious smile and a positive attitude that just made your day better for knowing him. I think of him often and miss seeing his wonderful smile. I have to say how much I admire Brayden’s Dad Ash, Brother Damon and his Uncle Dave who are all still racing and are doing it #4Brayden with the support of Corrine, Ellie and their support network.
I also have a special spot for my Kilcoy Demo and Auto riders. I have loved them crowding around me at marshaling to tell me their tales about how their day is going, where they are coming, who beat who and just seeing them smile.