The New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory motorsport community came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of 2024 at the Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT State Awards, proudly presented by Shannons.
Held at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday, 8 February, the long-awaited return of the face-to-face awards night welcomed over 160 attendees from across all motorsport disciplines. The evening was hosted by Bruce Astbury, who was recently appointed State and Club Competition Manager at Motorsport Australia, giving him an opportunity to meet many competitors and members.
The event featured special guest speaker Coral Taylor, a legend of Australian rallying, who shared insights and experiences from her incredible motorsport journey. Darren Barlow, Motorsport Australia State Council Chair, and NSW/ACT Elected Director Jon Thompson also addressed the audience, acknowledging the achievements of the region’s competitors, officials, and clubs.
The night saw the 2024 State Champions recognised for their outstanding performances across a variety of disciplines, with trophies awarded to those who excelled in their respective categories. In addition, a range of special awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and contributions to motorsport.
Notable recipients include Maisie Place, who was awarded the Coral Taylor Award in 2024, this being her second time receiving this award after receiving this honour in 2022. Sarah Gawen, a young rally driver was also a notable recipient, receiving the NSW/ACT Future Star Award for 2024. Other notable recipients of these awards can be found listed below.
Motorsport Australia also recognised club milestones, celebrating the longevity and success of clubs that continue to play a vital role in the sport’s growth and development.
15 clubs celebrated milestones in 2024, with the most notable being the Fiat Club NSW Incorporated’s 75th anniversary and the 1949-1962 Ford V/8 Club of NSW Inc, Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia (NSW), Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW) and the Peugeot Car Club of NSW all celebrating 50 years.
The return to an in-person format after a four-year hiatus was met with enthusiasm, as the community embraced the chance to reconnect, celebrate achievements, and enjoy an evening of camaraderie.
The night was a fitting tribute to the passion and dedication that drives motorsport in NSW and the ACT and Motorsport Australia extends its congratulations to all award recipients and expresses gratitude to the officials, volunteers, and supporters who make motorsport possible 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 |
Motorsport Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.