Queensland recently celebrated the champions of its 2023 state competitions and acknowledged numerous dedicated individuals at the 2024 State Awards ceremony, elegantly hosted by Bruce Astbury.
With 80 guests in attendance, the event took place at the Brisbane Motor Museum, marking the first in-person Queensland State Awards since 2020.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Porsche Carrera Cup driver Harri Jones, who was awarded the Will Power Trophy for his exceptional accomplishments in racing.
At just 25 years old, Jones was named the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, showcasing a series of dominant performances throughout the season.
His impressive tally included seven consecutive race wins, a total of 12 victories, 18 podium finishes, and numerous lap records, all of which secured his position at the summit of the rankings.
In addition to young star Jones, Dylan Furche received the Queensland Future Star Award after being named the 2024 Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association Club Champion.
The Ann Thomson Trophy, awarded for an outstanding contribution to motorsport, was presented to esteemed official Ian Mayberry. With over 50 years of involvement in the sport, Mayberry is a former recipient of the 2021 Queensland Service to Sport Award.
Officials play a crucial role at every motorsport event, which is why the night also recognised volunteer officials, including Kevin Hunter, who was named State Official of the Year.
Additionally, the evening celebrated three Service Award honourees: Craig Bourke, John Tupicoff, and David Rowe. Rowe’s long-standing commitment to motorsport, spanning over 34 years, was particularly notable. He has been a flag marshal at every Gold Coast racing event since 1991 and, at the age of 78, his dedication shows no signs of waning.
Motorsport Australia took the opportunity to celebrate significant milestones achieved by various clubs, underscoring their important role in the growth and evolution of the sport.
The Triumph Sports Owners Association (Qld) Inc and Porsche Club Queensland Inc marked an impressive 50-year commitment to motorsport.
Meanwhile, the Lotus Club Queensland Inc, North Queensland Offroad Racing Association Inc, and Queensland Scrutineering Association Inc all proudly reached a notable 25-year milestone, while the Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club Inc celebrated 10 years of dedication.
The 2024 Historic Leyburn Sprints, which commemorated the 75th anniversary of Leyburn’s Australian Grand Prix, was awarded Queensland State Event of the Year. Last August, the 28th annual Historic Leyburn Sprints in Darling Downs attracted record numbers, with nearly 18,000 attendees gathering to watch 230 cars compete, including original entries from the 1949 grand prix, and to meet former Australian Grand Prix drivers Warwick Brown, Bruce Allison, John Bowe, and Charlie O’Brien.
The evening was a true celebration of the passion and commitment that drives motorsport in Queensland.
Motorsport Australia extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and expresses profound appreciation to the officials, volunteers, and supporters whose hard work allows motorsport to flourish in Queensland.
Award Winners
| Award | Recipient |
| Ann Thomson Trophy | Ian Mayberry |
| Outstanding Club Award | Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club |
| Queensland Future Star Award | Dylan Furche |
| Will Power Trophy | Harri Jones |
| Queensland State Event of the Year | Historic Leyburn Sprints |
| Service Award Winner | Craig Bourke |
| Service Award Winner | John Tupicoff |
| Service Award Winner | David Rowe |
| Service Star | Geoff Nicol |
| Queensland Junior Official of the Year | Bradley Hennekam |
| State Official of the Year | Kevin Hunter |
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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