The subject of today’s In-Focus article is Ben Moran, President of the Whitsunday Dirt Riders club. In recent years Ben and his wife Therese have been doing a power of work driving the club, running great events and ensuring visitors from down south experience that famous North Queensland hospitality and relaxed vibe. Let’s find out a bit more about him.
Question 1: In your role, at what venue and in what role are we most likely to find you?
BM: You’re most likely to find me at the Whitsunday Dirt Riders club at Proserpine or around North Queensland at all motocross, Dirt Track and Junior Solo practice days, and also as Steward or Clerk of the Course at race meetings. I’m also in training as a Speedway Referee.
Question 2: How long have you been a supporter of the sport and what other capacities and/or locations have you acted to do so?
BM: I have been a supporter of anything dirt bikes for over 30 years and been on the Commitee at WDR for around 5 yrs with my awesome wife and club secretary, Therese. I’ve assisted in State Titles as a Steward and Clerk of the Course at Ayr Motorcycle club and WDR over the past few yrs, and I’ve also assisted as Referee at the Qld Speedway Titles at Pioneer Park Speedway. I feel very fortunate having learnt the ropes from some passionate and knowledgeable officials like Andrew Brook, Clinton Bradford, John Anderson, Gary Davies and Paul Slade, and to have found myself working alongside the likes of Lyndel Butler and Denise Dall has been fantastic. To see what those amazing women do is incredible!
I also don’t mind a microphone if left laying around, having done commentary for the Australian Titles in North Brisbane, the recent Qld Titles in Townsville, Speedway meetings in Ayr and Bowen and I’m looking forward to making some noise at WDR for the Senior Australian Titles on the 5th and 6th of October!
Question 3: How did you come to find yourself in this role?
BM: It started when my son Kai started riding at WDR on his 50cc. After coaching his Football Team again with Therese as Manager for almost 5 years we couldn’t not put our hands up and take on the new challenge to join the Committee when the previous club committee was standing down.
Question 4: What is the attraction? What keeps you coming back?
BM: I just love watching young kids doing what they love doing, and helping to provide them with safe and cool tracks to tear apart. I enjoy the responsibility to help mentor young kids and give them a place and a club they are proud to be a part of, and all the while making life long friendships. Watching kids develop and improve is rewarding for the time and work you put into the club, and to see our club shirts everywhere is just the best!!
Question 5: Who is the most amazing rider you’ve encountered along the way?
BM: That’s a tough one! Probably Jack Miller. Having been around Jack at meetings at North Brisbane and all our local clubs when he’s back in NQ, and whether he’s racing Moto X or Dirt Track, he is just next level as a rider, but what stands out the most is his approachability for young kids and adults too. He’s always happy to say g’day and share a photo, yet he still stays focused on the task at hand. Other outstanding riders and mentors from our area would be Andy Mcliesch, Dale Borlase, Damian Koppe and Kayden Downing. All awesome racers, great blokes and fantastic mentors to the youths!
