E04 – the Motocross Mayor
Produced by David Ward on July 22, 2017
Tags - 24hr Challenge - Brian Sambell - Interviewed by Rod McKenzie - Mayor of Gawler - Motocross - Rod McKenzie
We might know him better as the former Mayor of Gawler, but Brian Sambell loves motocross, and he’s been riding and racing bikes since the days when he putt-putted behind his dad as a kid.
In the latest instalment of the Gawler Oral History Project, Brian Sambell joins Rod McKenzie to talk motor racing – from Brian’s days riding in the South Australian Motocross and the Barossa Valley 24hr Challenge, to paddock bashing, to the difficulty of racing bikes with a sidecar, to what’s happening in racing today. Brian’s so obviously passionate about racing, and, though he doesn’t race anymore, he still loves to watch and talk about his favourite sport.
Brian Samuel
Unknown to many of us, Brian Sambell enjoyed many days beardless, before those trademark whiskers became so familiar around town.
(Image courtesy of Brian Sambell)
Brian Sambell – age 11
Brian Sambell is a Gawler local from way back, attending Gawler Primary and growing up to have a huge influence on the town
(Image courtesy of the Gawler History Team)
Motocross Brian
Brian has competed in all sorts of different motor cycle racing, including the Barossa Valley 24hr Challenge and the South Australian Motocross Championships
(Image courtesy of Brian Sambell)
Daredevil
Who knew our former Mayor was such a daredevil? See Brian launching his bike and himself through the flames!
(Image courtesy of Brian Sambell)
Apex Life Member Brian’s influence on our town has been huge, and he’s been a part of all sorts of groups and initiatives. Here he is accepting an Apex Club Life Membership back in 1983. (Image courtesy of the Gawler History Team) 
GAHFS Inc President Always involved in the community, Brian Sambell was the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural & Floricultural Society Inc. President from 1986-1988 (Image courtesy of the Gawler History Team) 
Mayor Sambell Many of us remember Brian best as out Mayor from 2006 – 2014 (Image courtesy of the Gawler History Team) 
Brian Sambell Still sporting the familiar whiskers, but no longer the Mayor, Brian now has time to focus on the important things – like motorbikes! (Image courtesy of Brian Sambell)
Brian’s had a huge influence on Gawler during his life, from his involvement in Apex, to helping to form the Gawler Motorcycle Group, to building successful businesses, and, of course, being our Mayor, but through it all he’s held a love and passion for the roar of the racing bike engine.
Production Notes
Title: E04 – The Motocross Mayor
Guest: Brian Sambell
Host: Rod McKenzie
Editor: Ian McDonnell
Producer: Barry Neylon
Transcript: Rod McKenzie
GOHP E04 – The Motocross Mayor by Gawler Oral History Project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Want to find out more about Brian Sambell? Head over to the Gawler History Team and check out their collection of stories and photos of Gawler throughout the years.
