Eulogy for Andy Caldecott

By Jeff Leisk - KTM Australia, General Manager

It is with enormous respect that I attempt to convey my feelings and experiences of Andy who epitomized the humble human being despite the enormous success he achieved through his motorcycle racing endeavours. It was his trademark and it caused people who came in contact with him to like and love him.

When writing this eulogy so many images played over in my mind about Andy and his racing career. He and I were the same age and we started out riding and racing at about the same time.

I can remember Andy racing at the Junior Nationals at Darwin in 1977, they were formative years where everything seamed larger than life and the impression that such an experience would have on a young mind was indelible. In fact it was the week after the Junior Nationals in Darwin that Andy rode his first Enduro off road event where he claimed victory first time out indicating a natural affinity and ability for this style of riding. For those here today who have ridden or raced on a motorcycle you would understand the addictive euphoric nature that comes from riding these two-wheeled motorised machines, Andy loved riding and racing for so many reasons and it became a passion he would seek to fulfil throughout his life in competing and winning many titles as both a junior and senior rider.

Forced to retire from Motocross competition in 1985 due to family business commitments Andy finally returned to the track in 1992 winning his first classic motocross championship and would go on to win seventeen national classic titles and two world titles between 1993 and 2002.

In 1988 Andy took on a new business venture in Keith Parcel Freight, it was here that his true work ethic was displayed where he would continually work 17 hour days driving his trucks. I’m sure this contributed to his endurance as a Rally rider which he displayed very well finishing fourth in his first Rally outing at Condobolin in 1998. The Condobolin event whet his appetitive for more long distance racing which suited his cool and calm style and it was not long before a more serious approach to this type of riding was planned with participation in the Australian Safari capturing four successive victories.

Despite his humble nature and calm manner Andy was in my eyes an incredibly strong and determined competitor. I can clearly recall a time during the Australian Safari at an overnight stop at White Cliffs when another team member and I decided to visit the pub during a time when there was work to be done. Whilst standing there and enjoying a cold one Andy promptly walked in and informed us in the most focused manner that there was a serious task at hand. I realised from this encounter that there was more to Andy than his calm exterior presence and that deep down inside he was a very determined competitor with a will to win. Now it was easy to understand how he won four consecutive Australian Safaris and three stages of the Dakar Rally.

With these massive achievements in mind, it’s easy to forget how difficult the challenge of just getting to events such as the Dakar Rally are with the huge budgets that are required, undeterred by such challenges which could get in the way of his dream the fundraising activities supported by the loyal Keith community and the motorcycling industry are legendary. Always appreciative of this support and especially from Keith, Andy was once quoted as saying: “Keith may be a small town but the people can put a lump in the back of your throat.” Somehow by engaging so many people in his dream, Andy’s following was huge and people from all over the world became inspired by his quest to compete in the world’s toughest rally event. (I know I did.)

It is the inspirational example that Andy exuded by seeking out the toughest of challenges and living life to the max that endeared him to so many people. It was although there were never enough hours in a day for Andy who would work incredibly long hours and still find time for his beloved family and the fulfilment of his dreams. We take comfort in the fact that Andy celebrated life.

I feel privileged to have known Andy and be a part of his dreams. He was always a pleasure to work with because he had honesty and integrity.

And from a commercial side Andy did so much to promote his supporters and motorcycling in Australia. We have certainly lost a great ambassador.

It somehow seams unreal that we must say goodbye to our friend; a great man who has inspired and led by the example of humility.

Rest in peace my friend.



Jeff Leisk, KTM Australia General Manager