Dr. Sam Shahin and Paul Morris Appointed to Motorsport Risk and Safety Committee

In 2025, Dr Sam Shahin and Paul Morris will join Motorsport Australia’s Motorsport Risk and Safety Committee (MRSC) as the organisation strives to enhance industry-wide support, ensuring the growth and safeguarding of motorsport in Australia.

Established in 2022, the MRSC is dedicated to identifying and reducing the inherent risks associated with motorsport, with a strong emphasis on enhancing safety for participants, officials, and spectators alike.

Shahin and Morris will become part of a committee that includes some of the most experienced personalities from various motorsport disciplines, such as Ian Gillespie AM (Chair), Garry Connelly AM, Roland Dane, Coral Taylor, Kristen Bailey, and Adam Berryman.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam and Paul to the Motorsport Risk and Safety Committee. Their impressive backgrounds underscore the value that Motorsport Australia’s MRSC provides in creating a safer sporting environment for everyone,” stated Motorsport Australia CEO, Sunil Vohra.

“The MRSC leverages an immense reservoir of industry knowledge to enhance safety as part of Motorsport Australia’s responsibility in overseeing all aspects of the sport.”

The additions of Morris and Shahin to the committee showcase Motorsport Australia’s ongoing efforts to fortify and expand the sport.

Morris brings with him a wealth of experience as a multi-discipline competitor both domestically and internationally, offering a profound understanding of the challenges faced in the motorsport arena.

As the owner of Norwell Motorplex and a Bathurst 1000 champion, he has also clinched the Australian Super Touring Championship four times. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent at the Norwell Racing School.

“Running our own circuit makes every day feel like a race meeting for us,” Morris commented.

“Compared to when I first started, motorsport is significantly safer now, but we mustn’t take any progress for granted. It’s essential to stay at the forefront of safety advancements. I’m eager to use my experience to bring value to this committee and the wider motorsport community.”

Dr Shahin, a qualified medical professional and founder of Australia’s largest motorsport venue, The Bend Motorsport Park, is driven by his personal experience with racing risks and his commitment to continuously advancing safety within the sport.

“Motorsport thrives on passion, skill, and the unwavering quest for excellence, and we must keep safety as our top priority in that journey,” Shahin stated.

“Having engaged with the sport from multiple roles — as a competitor, circuit owner, and medical expert — I recognise the crucial need to perpetually refine our risk management strategies.”

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with my fellow committee members to uphold the highest safety standards in motorsport while maintaining the excitement and spirit that make it uniquely exhilarating.”