A new Chairman for the MRRDA as Paul Edwards steps down following health scare
The last round of the 2009 MRRDA series will see the role of Chairman of the MRRDA for Paul Edwards come to an end and Craig White step up to fill the position.
Paul Edwards – “I recently had a major health scare with a minor heart attack, which has left me little choice but to re-evaluate what I realistically can and cannot achieve in my daily life. My family has a history of high cholesterol which requires me to maintain a reasonable diet and a high level of fitness.
“Unfortunately with my commitments to my business Prodocom and my endeavours with the MRRDA, I was spending too much time working and not enough looking after my health. Now I find myself having to cut back my hours at Prodocom and with great regret, resign as Chairman of the MRRDA to allow someone who is in a better position in life to take on the responsibilities that the role entails.
“I would like to thank everybody involved in the MRRDA for their contribution and support while I have been Chairman. The series officials I believe are second to none and a major contributor to the success that we as a group have achieved. The committee of course who has helped steer the series in what I believe is the right direction for the sport.
“To the series partners like Red Bull, Draggin Jeans, The Reece Bancell Memorial Association, Whites Racing Products, Racers Edge, RB Racing, RaceFit, Oxley Graphics, All Seasons Eco Resort, Rutherford Trailers, Honda, Arqin Motorcycles, Motul, Worldwide Online Print in Bondi and many others, I cannot thank you enough for your support. A special mention has also got to go to Ross Martin at Motorcycling Australia who has been invaluable in his support and encouragement.
“To all the series competitors over the last 3 years who have made it all worthwhile. I thank you and your parents, well most of them anyway, for making this such an enjoyable journey. To see the likes of Josh Hook, Michael Jones, Jordan Zamora, Adrian Digiadomenico, Adrian Nestrovic, Andy Lawson, Brody Nowlan, Kyle Buckley, Daniel Falzon, Alex Pickett, Ben and Josh Leonard with too many more to mention, go from their early start with us to becoming fantastic racers all of whom I know we will learn more of in the future, you have given me so much pleasure and I thank you all for your friendship and allowing me to be a part of your journey.
“A special mention has also got to go to Rachael Hern and Craig Johnston who have been with me since the inception of the series and have never lost faith in what we aimed to achieve. Without people like these two, Chris Baker, Zara Griffin and Lorraine Bunt, the sport of Motorcycle Road racing in Australia would be dead in the water. Their sheer passion for the sport and unwavering desire to do the right thing, more often than not for absolutely no financial reward, is simply amazing. I’d finally like to thank Steve Brouggy at California Superbike School. Steve and his team have gone out of their way to provide invaluable training and coaching that is second to none to our series participants. This has been through training days and race day coaching. The series participants have all benefited beyond belief courtesy of Steve’s commitment to our young racers and Steve has promised to continue this under Craig’s Chairmanship.
“As I leave the Association in the very capable hands of Craig, I would ask that everyone gives him the support you have all so kindly afforded me. To Motorcycling Australia and the motorcycle industry I would ask that you look at what the series has achieved and can achieve. Get right behind it and you will help build and maintain a strong nursery to supply our domestic championships as well as world championships with strong riders well into the future.
“There are also people out there that have made promises of support that have unfortunately not come through on their promises. I hope that these people can see their way to putting this right under Craig’s leadership. I would also encourage everyone to get behind the MRRDA Membership program. Everyone can do their bit to help our next batch of world superstars get going and remain as part of their team on their journey. It really is an opportunity that should not be missed.
“Finally I know that people will think that this has been a money making exercise for myself and the MRRDA, but nothing could be further from the truth. The series has cost me personally a lot of time, money and much more and I’m not alone in that. The purpose of the MRRDA and all those involved is to try and do the right thing by the sport and ensure that someone is out there building a future for it. Now it’s Craig’s turn and although the cynics will look at his tyre service and think that there are ulterior motives, nothing could be further from the truth. Craig has a deep passion for the sport, which is what drives him and will continue to drive him in this role. This is exactly what the MRRDA and the sport needs and the reason why he has been elected as Chairman.”
Craig white – “I’ve watched the MRRDA grow over the last few years through supporting the series with a Bridgestone tyre service and I can see how essential the series is to the sport. To be given an opportunity to be able to contribute further to that is immensely exciting and I would like to thank Woody (Paul Edwards) and the committee for the faith they have shown in me by voting me in as Chairman. I will do everything I can to justify that faith and help ensure that our juniors have a strong series in which to learn their craft for many years to come.”