The motorsport communities of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory gathered to honour the exceptional accomplishments of 2024 at the Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT State Awards, proudly sponsored by Shannons.
Taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday, 8 February, this highly anticipated face-to-face awards night attracted more than 160 participants from a wide range of motorsport disciplines. The evening was emceed by Bruce Astbury, the newly appointed State and Club Competition Manager at Motorsport Australia, allowing him to connect with numerous competitors and club members.
Highlighting the event was special guest speaker Coral Taylor, a renowned figure in Australian rallying, who imparted her experiences and insights from her remarkable journey in the motorsport world. Darren Barlow, Chair of the Motorsport Australia State Council, along with NSW/ACT Elected Director Jon Thompson, also took the opportunity to address the audience, recognising the remarkable achievements of local competitors, officials, and clubs.
The evening celebrated the 2024 State Champions for their exceptional performances across various disciplines, with trophies presented to those who shone in their respective categories. Additionally, a range of special awards were allocated to individuals who showcased unparalleled dedication, commitment, and contributions to the motorsport scene.
Among the notable awardees was Maisie Place, who received the Coral Taylor Award for 2024, marking her second time being bestowed this honour, having previously won in 2022. Young rally driver Sarah Gawen also made headlines by receiving the NSW/ACT Future Star Award for 2024. A comprehensive list of award recipients can be found below.
Motorsport Australia took the opportunity to acknowledge club milestones, celebrating the enduring success of clubs that play a crucial role in the evolution and expansion of motorsport.
In 2024, 15 clubs marked significant milestones, with highlights including the Fiat Club NSW Incorporated celebrating its 75th anniversary, while the 1949-1962 Ford V/8 Club of NSW Inc, along with the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia (NSW), Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW), and the Peugeot Car Club of NSW all commemorated their 50-year anniversaries.
The enthusiastic response to returning to an in-person format after a four-year break underscored the community’s eagerness to reconnect, celebrate accomplishments, and revel in an evening of camaraderie.
The night was a fitting tribute to the passion and commitment that fuels motorsport in NSW and the ACT. Motorsport Australia extends its congratulations to all award recipients and expresses heartfelt thanks to the officials, volunteers, and supporters who make motorsport thrive in NSW and the ACT.
Award Winners
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Motorsport Australia Service Award Winner | Jacqueline Devereaux |
| Motorsport Australia Service Award Winner | Peter Richardson |
| Motorsport Australia Service Award Winner | Stephen King |
| Motorsport Australia Service Award Winner | Paul Kilpinen-Hughes |
| Motorsport Australia Service Award Winner (2023) | Phillip Wilkinson |
| Motorsport Australia Service Star Winner | Ross Forbes |
| Motorsport Australia Service Star Winner | Barry Hapgood |
| Coral Taylor Award | Maisie Place |
| Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT Future Star Award | Sarah Gawen |
| Kevin Bartlett Award – Most Outstanding Circuit Driver of the Year | Brett Osborn |
| Judith Rae Award – Motorsport Administrator of the Year | Kristen Hadley |
| Colin Bond Award | Aaron McClintock |
| Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT State Official of the Year | Sarah Bell |
| Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT State Event of the Year | Sapphire Coast Sporting Car Club – Bega Valley Rally |
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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