STATEMENT: MARK BURRIDGE (updated with funeral details)

It is with sadness that the Australian Karting Association acknowledges the tragic passing of one of its young members Mark Burridge.

Burridge, 14, a member of the Mackay Kart Club in North Queensland, sister Kristy, 30, and parents Peter, 54, and Diane, 53, died following a tragic accident involving their car and a semi-trailer, 20km north of Rockhampton on Wednesday (January 26).

It is understood the family was travelling to Gympie for the funeral of Peter’s father, Noel, when the horrific crash occurred on a notorious stretch of the Bruce Highway at Etna Creek.

Burridge started racing as a Rookie in 2008 and was respected by drivers, parents and officials for his mature attitude and willingness to assist others. The Burridge family will be sorely missed by the karting community.

“Mark and his family were fantastic members of the karting community throughout Queensland and they will be sorely missed,” said AKA Queensland President Gavin Dicinoski.

“Since joining the sport a few years ago Mark was really developing as a driver and his mature attitude and willingness to assist others when required held him in a high regards with everyone in the Mackay region.

“Our sincerest sympathies go out to the Burridge family and friends.”

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service for Peter, Diane, Kristy and Mark to be held in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gympie on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at 12noon followed by a Committal Service at the Gympie Cemetery.

Relatives and friends in the Sarina and Mackay area are respectfully invited to attend A Memorial Service to be held in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Range Road, Sarina on Monday, February 7th, 2011 at 10.00am.