MCNEWS.COM.AU

Last week I had been mulling over a few things with a view towards heading to Eastern Creek. Part of this reason was because Eastern Creek is where we experienced the tragic loss of Reece Bancell but also adding to that feeling even further was the recent passing of Anzac Day.

As an ex serviceman Anzac Day has always been important to me personally and since 2002 it also serves as a signal for me to not only remember the diggers but also brings the memory of Liam Magee back into focus, as it was only a couple of days after Anzac Day that we lost that bright young talent.

While it is only certain signals that may spark the memories of these two fine young fellas in me, of course the sense of loss for their families and closest friends is ever present and infinitely more deep.

Following Reece's unfortunate passing the Bancell family set up a trust in Reece's honour to help forward the career of a young and upcoming rider each year onto bigger and better things in the future. Gareth Jones is the recipient of the Reece Bancell Scholarship this year and he is benefiting greatly as a result.

Liam's father, Peter Magee, took a slightly different track and threw himself headlong into efforts to improve rider safety and to bring to the attention of authorities deficiencies at some circuits that could potentially be the cause for another father to experience the same sense of loss he has had to deal with.

Peter Magee has also initiated legal action against Motorcycling Australia, Mallala Motorsports Park, Clem Smith Nominees, the Phoenix Motorcycle Club and Hall Technical Services over the incident where Liam so tragically lost his life. According to an Adelaide newspaper, an excerpt from which we attach below, defence documents have not yet been filed.