In 2014 Motorcycling SA established the Motorcycling SA Hall of Fame to recognise those riders and individuals who have achieved outstanding success in motorcycling at international, national and state levels.
For many, the titles they have achieved have been the highlight of their careers, however as often in sport, they do not receive the accolades they duly deserve. The Hall of Fame is designed to achieve this recognition.
This year, Motorcycling SA will be inducting another member into this exclusive club, Mr Andy Caldecott.
As seen from their inaugural inductees, South Australia has produced World Champions, National Stars & State Champions - Andy Caldecott is no exception. Achieving not only state, national and world championships, his international achievements are that which most riders would only dream about.
The name Caldecott is not only well known in his hometown of Keith, but across the country and the world due to his outstanding achievements and fantastic attitude, and when you look through this extensive list of achievements, you can only see why Andy is MSA's next inductee.
Andy was born in Keith on 10 August 1964. He became involved with motorcycles from a very early age, starting his career in Motocross/Supercross in 1974 upon mini bikes, winning various State titles and placing nationally at Australian titles. Andy continued his successful MX career winning more SA titles with the Suzuki Cornell Racing team between 1979 -1984.
In 1983 Andy was selected to race in the Mr. Motocross championship as part of only 25 riders nationally selected to compete and finished 11th overall. In 1985 Andy retired from racing to focus on the Family business in Keith. Caldecott had a long absence from the sport, but continued to ride recreationally to fuel his passion for riding bikes. Andy returned to the sport in 1992 when he won his first Australian Classic MX title before going on to a further 17 titles between 1993 & 2002.
In 1999 Andy travelled overseas to America where he competed at the famous Glen Helen circuit in the World Vintage MX Championship, Andy took out two world titles at this event in two different classes. 1999 was also the first time Andy had tackled an Enduro event and this is where he really found his true passion in the wide open spaces and high speeds of desert racing. In his first Australian Safari, he was leading up until the 4th day when he had to retire due to an injury.
In the early 200's Andy really started to make his mark on the Enduro scene winning 4 consecutive Australian Safaris which given the challenge of the event, and the calibre of competition, was no mean feat, Andy also finished sixth outright and won the over 35 years class at the Finke Desert race in Alice Springs in 2002.
Andy's true Aussie grit and determination enabled him to fulfil his dream to compete in the world's most gruelling desert race, the Dakar Rally, with him competing in the 2004 event. Andy's campaign was assisted through the fundraising efforts of the Keith Community and the Tatiara district.
In his first Dakar campaign, Andy was running 6th outright when he was forced to retire from the race due to a broken ankle.
On his second trip back to Dakar he had more support with a factory KTM, during this race Andy won two stages and finished a very impressive 6th Outright.
This made Andy even more determined to do better in the rally and he went after further support from KTM Australia. In 2006 Andy once again returned to the Rally with the full support of the KTM Repsol Team. Andy won stage 3 of the rally and was running 6th outright when on the 9th stage tragedy struck after Andy was involved in a high-speed accident that sadly claimed his life.
Since this time the people of the town of Keith along with the Keith & District Motorcycle Club have made sure that Andy's name and legacy live on, and as part of that recognition the MX venue has been named in his honour Andy Caldecott Park.
In 2011 a life-size statue was unveiled in Pilmore Park along the Dukes Highway, a great tribute to a true champion. Andy is also honoured every year at the Australian Safari with the Andy Caldecott Spirit Award.
The Andy Caldecott Spirit Award honours his superior riding ability, coupled with a strong determination and striking humility that made his tragic death while riding the Dakar Rally in 2006 a national sorrow. Rather than remember him in sadness, the award is given to remember him for his positive qualities. In 2013 local SA sidecar Enduro team Sam & Max Hutchesson were awarded this award after being the first sidecar team to complete the Australian Safari in 17 years!
With the 10th anniversary of Andy's death coming up in January 2016, this honour is something that will be a fitting reward for a fantastic bloke and an absolute champion.
Andy Caldecott's induction into the Motorcycling SA Hall of Fame will be conducted on Saturday 28 November 2015 at the 2015 Motorcycling SA Night of Champions at the Festival Function Centre, Findon.
This will also double as a celebration of the 2015 motorcycling season as well as honouring SA riders at State, National & International level. The Motorcycling SA Association awards will also be presented on this night.
Public can purchase tickets through the Motorcycling SA office on 08 8332 9000, with prices $55 adults & $40 for children.
For more information about the Night of Champions, please contact Motorcycling SA (08) 8332 9000 and ask to speak with event coordinator Kate Pitt.
Top Image: Andy Caldecott in action
Credit: File (DPPI)
