Congratulations to Philip Whittle, who is the 2025 recipient of the annual Graham ‘Checkers’ Stewart Official of the Year Award as recognition for his outstanding dedication to trial competition over six decades.
Whittle, who hails from Bendigo, is a seasoned volunteer official of the highest order. His current portfolio includes Motorcycling Australia (MA) accreditation as a starter, timekeeper, steward, measurer, scrutineer, race secretary, clerk of course and coach.
He’s a member of MA’s Trial Commission, and he’s also well known for his long-standing tenure as the manager of Australia’s Trial des Nations team.
“This award means a lot to me. I don’t do it for the accolades; I do it to help the sport,” said Phil.
“I really enjoy being an official, and I wish more people would take part in it – especally in trials. You can start by being an observer and then move through to be a scrutineer, clerk of course, steward.
“I’m also so proud of my family which has also embraced the trials journey. My daughter Chloe is a level 4 official, my son Jake is level 3, and my wife Glenda is a level 4 race secretary.
“We travel all over Australia running events and it’s great to have the family involved."
At the 2025 Australian Trial Championship in Erinsvale, Queensland, Phil was the Clerk of Course, Glenda the Race Secretary and Chloe the MA Steward – while Jacob contested the Twinshock class!
Whittle’s award is named in honour of the late Graham ‘Checkers’ Stewart, who was an integral part of motorcycle sport in Australia and waved the chequered flag at the Australian MotoGP, FIM Speedway Grand Prix and FIM WorldSBK rounds.
The Official of the Year Award was created in his name to recognise the outstanding performance of an MA Senior Official.
Whittle is the fifth winner of the Graham Stewart Official of the Year Award after Brendan Ferrari (2019), Tom Williams (2021), Denise Stronach (2022), Angus Bugeja (2023) and Mark Hancock (2024).
The criteria for winning the award are:
• Integrity;
• Dedication and commitment to the sport over a period of time;
• The skills and knowledge in their chosen field;
• Is respected and highly regarded by their peers;
• Has the ability to impart knowledge and mentor people;
• Has fulfilled a level of excellence in their duties; and
• Has officiated at a national level.
Whittle not only continues his vital role as a volunteer official but also remains passionate about the growth of trial competition and supporting junior riders through his presidency of the Trials Club of Victoria, a position which he has held since 2010.
