The 2024 Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala, hosted by Shannons Insurance, gathered over 250 attendees at Doltone House in Sydney. Led by hosts Greg Rust and Charlie Barlow, the night celebrated the remarkable accomplishments from the previous racing season.
This prestigious evening honoured national champions from various motorsport disciplines, alongside the officials, volunteers, and the wider community who have significantly influenced Australian motorsport.
Many of the sport’s top competitors received accolades for their 2024 performances in circuit racing, rallying, off-road competitions, speed events, and autotests, recognising both returning champions and those achieving their first victories.
In addition to acknowledging the national title holders, awards were presented to participants across different generations, highlighting the diverse roles within the motorsport community.
Trevor Neumann was honoured as the 2024 Australian Motorsport Official of the Year, recognised for his exceptional commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of motorsport officials.
Carol Armstrong also received recognition, celebrated as the 2024 FIA Outstanding Official of the Year in her home country, after having been awarded her trophy at the 2024 FIA Awards in December.
Two distinguished individuals were appointed as Members of Honour for their lifelong contributions to Australian motorsport:
- Dr Rik Hagen, acknowledged for his outstanding work in motorsport medicine and his efforts to improve health and safety standards in motorsport disciplines globally.
- Tony South, recognised for his leadership in motorsport governance, including his tenure on the Motorsport Australia board and his impactful roles in executive positions.
Motorsport Australia also awarded Life Membership to two individuals for their longstanding dedication to the sport:
- Peter Drew, recognised for his exemplary service as a steward, ensuring the fairness and integrity of Australian motorsport.
- Roger Chirnside, commended for his lifelong commitment to motorsport officiating and his leadership within the Victorian Flagmarshalling Team.
The prestigious Presidential Citation was awarded to rallying icon Ed Ordynski, honouring his leadership as Chair of the Officials Working Group, which played a vital role in creating strategies to bolster the Motorsport Australia Officials community.
Coral Taylor celebrated her sixth Australian Rally Championship (ARC) title alongside three-time ARC drivers’ champion Harry Bates and was also awarded the Peter Brock Medal for her remarkable rallying achievements.
Coral now joins her daughter, Molly, in the esteemed ranks of those who have received the Peter Brock Medal, as Molly was honoured with the award in 2015, marking an extraordinary mother-daughter accomplishment.
Formula 1 sensation Oscar Piastri received his third Sir Jack Brabham Award, recognising his success in the 2024 season.
While Oscar proudly showcased Australian talent globally, here at home, Kai Allen was awarded the 2024 Young Driver of the Year, fresh from his Grove Racing debut in what marks his first full season in Supercars.
Emmy Drew was awarded the FIA Girls on Track High Achiever Award for her remarkable success on the international stage, with Monash Motorsport clinching victory at Formula Student in Germany—an achievement that showcases her technical prowess, business insight, and impressive leadership.
A number of Australian media representatives were also honoured for their efforts in bringing motorsport closer to fans across the nation.
For the fourth time, Speedcafe.com‘s Andrew van Leeuwen was awarded Journalist of the Year. He also bagged the Breaking News Story of the Year for his exclusive report on Brodie Kostecki’s split from Erebus Motorsport ahead of the 2024 Supercars season.
Thomas Lam was awarded Photograph of the Year, while South Australian photographer Daniel Kalisz earned the title of Photographer of the Year.
Tickford Racing won the Best Use of Digital Media Award, thanks to their compelling blend of high-quality production and humorous content.
A highlight of the evening was the Personality of the Year Award, which went to Supercars’ Mark Larkham, acknowledged for his captivating presence on television screens for nearly a decade.
The evening concluded with the formal presentation of the 2024 Australian Touring Car Championship trophy to Supercars Champion Will Brown, rounding out a remarkable night celebrating the best in Australian motorsport.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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