A key element of our sport’s success is the growing cohort of officials who prepare, run and manage our various events. And among the most reputed and respected officials in our state is next in our feature series of National Volunteer Week – Mark Thompson. Here’s what we learnt from him about his spectacular career built on his hard work and passion for all things motorcycling.
What are some of your earliest memories of volunteering in motorcycling? What inspired you to get started?
I don’t think my situation was any different to any other official when I first started.
My son Ben wanted to race motocross at the age of 5. Our first event was at the Canobolas Motorcycle Club and at the riders briefing, the then president stood up and said that they needed officials for the club and sport to continue. I thought about it for a few weeks and decided that if Ben was going to race, I would do what I could to back him up. I figured we would be around for a while, so I volunteered. The club accepted and I went to Canberra for my first Clerk of Course training on the Saturday, and then on the Sunday, we did the Steward’s course.
I was quite nervous about the whole thing. After I had completed my first training in Canberra within a very short period, I was standing up in front of the club delivering my first rider’s brief. I was very fortunate to have a very good mentor in Richard Shearing- he was the club Steward at the time. I learned a lot from him in those early days.
As Ben’s motorcycling skills got better, we started Enduro as well, travelling to other clubs every Sunday. Panorama, Dubbo, Lower Mountains, and Forbes were on a rotating roster.
When we joined each club, the race secretary would ask if we could flag and or be an official. Once they worked out that I was a Clerk of Course it didn’t take long, where I was officiating at those clubs as well.
After several years of this, I was asked by Maree Kirby from the MX commission if I would like to be an assistant Clerk of Course at the MNSW State titles. I did this for a few years until the then Clerk needed to step down. MNSW asked me if I could take on that role. I then had to go and do a Level 3 course. After the theory part of the course was completed, I had to be a Clerk of Course at 3 events that MNSW appointed me to. At these three meetings, I was assessed for my capability of being a Level 3. I remained Clerk of Course for a few years, working with the Steward Derrek Poole. This period was a massive learning curve, Derrek and I worked closely and supported each other in our roles. When Derrek stepped down from the position of Steward, MNSW asked me to switch to Steward. I then applied to become a level 4.
I am still the MNSW Motocross State Titles Steward today.
I was given the opportunity to be the Clerk Of Course from Motorcycling Australia at Canberra’s round of the PRO MX in 2021 – just what I needed to keep me involved in the sport. Ben had retired from racing; it would have been easy for me to do the same at that time. This level of the sport has invigorated me to keep going and now in 2024, I am the series Clerk of Course for PRO MX.
PROMX has opened a few doors for me in the past couple of years. I have been the Clerk of course for the AUS SX series for 2022 and 2023. This led me to be involved with the World Supercross (WSX) rounds in Melbourne – which also meant that I needed to be FIM qualified. I now hold a FIM Clerk of Course license and a FIM Super License. I also managed during this time to become a track inspector and trainer.
It all sounds like I have been busy, although, it’s been awesome. I have had so much fun, I have made lifelong friends, seen so much growth within the sport.
How has volunteering influenced your personal growth outside of the sport? Have you found yourself applying any skills or lessons in your day-to-day life from your experience volunteering?
Absolutely! At the time I was starting out as a volunteer, I was also taking on a new role as a Sales Representative. The skills I was learning as a volunteer were also extremely supportive in this role. Talking to people you have never met before on a level where there is so much emotion considering the time and effort everyone puts in either by them and or their children. The communication skills I have learnt from this sport has certainly helped me with my then role as a travelling sales representative.
These days I work for myself and have a staff of around 35, the communication and planning skills that I have learnt through the sport I continue to use daily.
Any favourite and unforgettable memories of volunteering from all these years?
Spending time with Ben, travelling, camping, cheering, celebrating success, the tough days and the great days.
Surprisingly enough, some of the most memorable times have come through situations where emotions were extremely high. I have noticed that when the situation is tense, and people are on edge, you form a bond and respect between everyone. It may not seem like it at the time, however, if we follow the process it works. Some of my closest friends in the sport today, I first met in sticky situations.
Unforgettable moments! too many unforgettable moments to mention, although, I will never forget just how far this sport has taken me. The friendships and fun we have had along the way.
Sticking with the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week of ‘Something for Everyone,’ what have you noticed about volunteering in motorcycling that makes it such a fulfilling experience?
Where do I start, so many great moments! I think every step of the way, as I increased my skills was a WOW moment for me. From that very first riders briefing to my first World Supercross, every step has excited me. I have had the best seat in the house to watch some incredible motorcycling racing. Seeing the juniors that were starting out when I was, now riding as champions either nationally or internationally is just so rewarding.
What’s one piece of advice you would give other volunteers or others looking to give their time to our sport?
Take the first step, get involved. Don’t just sit back and wonder why things don’t happen, make them happen. Stay true to yourself, get educated and learn the skills you need to be a volunteer.
I can assure you that whatever you put into being a volunteer you will receive back tenfold. Enjoy the journey.