Carol Armstrong, an official with Motorsport Australia, received international recognition during the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s 120th Anniversary celebrations held in Kigali, Rwanda over the weekend.
At the newly christened FIA Awards, she was honoured with the esteemed FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award. This event, hosted in the Rwandan capital and themed 120 Years of Legends, showcased exceptional individuals in motorsport.
Originally from Ireland, Armstrong is now a proud citizen of Australia. She has dedicated her time as a volunteer at over 45 Formula 1 races across destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United States. Additionally, she plays an active role in local motorsport events, including the Supercars Championship, Bathurst 6 Hour, Bathurst 12 Hour, motorkhanas, classic car rallies, karting, and MotoGP events.
“Receiving the FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award in the beautiful city of Kigali, surrounded by talented athletes and FIA delegates, was a truly humbling experience,” said Armstrong.
“I accept this award not just for myself, but for all the fantastic officials worldwide with whom I’ve had the honour to volunteer.”
Motorsport is a significant part of Armstrong’s family heritage, as her father, Philip Armstrong, continues to be active in Irish rallying. Both Carol and her brother, Neil, were highly competitive in karting until she decided to retire from competition. Even after stepping down, Carol remained involved as a mechanic and began her officiating career in Ireland, engaging in marshalling, scrutineering, administration, race control, and rescue.
After moving to Australia at the turn of the millennium, she continued her officiating journey and formed numerous lifelong friendships. This experience not only allowed her to attend events abroad but also to recruit international participants for Australian competitions.
Reflecting on her experiences, Armstrong stated, “One of my many favourite memories as an official is officiating my first Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi in 2012. Getting to officiate at my home race every year has been an incredible honour.”
“Collaborating with Motorsport Australia and other officials presents a wonderful opportunity for us to connect socially while executing our roles with passion, expertise, and a commitment to safety and excitement at each race.”
Armstrong becomes the 14th Australian to receive this award since its launch in 2011, demonstrating the exceptional credentials of Motorsport Australia’s officials on a global scale.
Lisa Crampton, Motorsport Australia’s Sporting & Technical Director, who recently returned to Australia after two decades in international motorsport, expressed her excitement over Carol’s achievement, which continues Australia’s tradition of recognition at the FIA awards.
“Carol’s accolade underscores how Motorsport Australia’s officials are viewed as among the elite globally. It brings us immense joy to see her recognised as one of the best in her field by the FIA,” Crampton remarked.
“She joins an illustrious group of esteemed officials who have previously received this recognition. We take pride in her advocacy for Australian officials on the international stage. It’s a delight to witness someone like Carol, who has generously and enthusiastically dedicated her time to the sport, sharing the spotlight with FIA’s World Champions at their awards ceremony.”
“Motorsport Australia eagerly anticipates the 2025 season and looks forward to discovering which new officials might emerge as future award winners.”
Carol is part of a robust volunteer community of over 10,000 Australians, supported by a Senior Officials Development Program that seeks to nurture the next generation of elite officials. The backing of the FIA Sport Development Grant has been pivotal in creating mentoring opportunities for officials across the country throughout 2024.
This programme has enabled many Australians to rise through the ranks internationally, as exemplified by David Mori’s promotion to Clerk of Course for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following Tim Schenken OAM’s impressive 40 years of service.
“I’m especially enthusiastic about fostering new and under-18 officials, empowering them with the confidence to join our FIA family,” Armstrong elaborated.
“I have also assisted numerous national and international officials in seeking opportunities here and globally. I am eager about the development and future of the FIA Girls on Track and Women in Motorsport initiatives, and I aspire to act as an ambassador for our committed officials in motorsport.”
Looking ahead, there are plans for additional senior development programme initiatives in 2025, covering areas such as women’s development, esports, off-road racing, and rallying. New appointments for race directors, technical delegates, and series stewards will be revealed in the new year.
In the meantime, Carol Armstrong’s FIA Award will be celebrated again at the 2024 Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala Dinner, presented by Shannons Insurance, scheduled for 23 February 2025.
Previous Award Recipients
| Year | Award | Recipient |
| 2024 | FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award | Carol Armstrong |
| 2023 | FIA Best Track or Road Marshal of the Season | George Chrobak |
| 2022 | FIA Senior Official of the Year | Christopher McMahon |
| 2021 | FIA Senior Official of the Year | Henk van den Dungen |
| 2020 | FIA Best Team of Officials of the Season | Australian Grand Prix Officials Team |
| 2019 | FIA Best Marshal of the Season | Robert Thiry |
| 2018 | FIA Best Scrutineer | Barry Habgood |
| 2018 | FIA Best Chief Medical Officer | Dr Matthew Croxford |
| 2017 | Outstanding Official of the Year | Roger Chirnside |
| 2016 | Best Doctor of the Year | Dr Brent May |
| 2015 | Best Marshal of the Season | Belinda Taylor |
| 2014 | Best Senior Official of the Season | Adrian Stafford |
| 2013 | Best Scrutineer of the Season | Ewan Cole |
| 2013 | Best Doctor of the Season | Dr Rik Hagen |
| 2012 | Best Senior Official of the Season | Steve Chopping |
| 2011 | Outstanding Senior Official of the Season | Dr Michelle Gatton |
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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