The New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory motorsport community came together to celebrate the region’s outstanding achievements of 2025 at the Motorsport Australia NSW/ACT State Awards, proudly presented by Shannons.
Held at Wenty Leagues Club in Wentworthville on Saturday, 31 January, the awards night welcomed close to 200 attendees from various motorsport disciplines.
The evening was hosted by Motorsport Australia Development Manager Charlie Barlow, and in attendance were NSW/ACT State Council Chair Jessica Nicholson, NSW/ACT Elected Director Jon Thompson and Motorsport Australia CEO Josh Blanksby, who each addressed the audience, acknowledging the contributions of members and athletes throughout the past year.
“The New South Wales and ACT motorsport communities continue to set a great benchmark for motorsport in this country, all driven by its passionate competitors, officials and dedicated volunteers,” Blanksby said.
“These awards are about recognising the people and clubs who give so much to the sport and help it thrive every day.
“It was fantastic to celebrate their achievements and the future of motorsport across the region.”
The evening involved the 2025 State Champions recognised for their efforts in each discipline, with trophies awarded to those who excelled in their respective categories.
Furthermore, several special awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and contributions to motorsport.
Deserving recipients included Corinne East-Johnstone, who was awarded the Coral Taylor Award for 2025 after a successful year which culminated in her being crowned the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Champion and representing Australia in the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship and winning a gold medal at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Games.
Ayce Buckley was awarded the NSW/ACT Future Star Award for 2025 after securing the NSW Excel Championship, competing in the Bathurst 6 Hour, and signing with the Walkinshaw Academy for the 2026 Toyota GR Cup season. Other notable recipients of these awards are listed below.
Motorsport Australia also took the opportunity to recognise a number of club milestones, celebrating the longevity and success of these clubs, which continue to play a vital role in the sport’s ecosystem and landscape.
Six clubs in New South Wales and the ACT were celebrated for their milestones in 2025, headlined by The MG Club of Sydney reaching 75 years of operations. Other clubs to achieve milestones include Southern District Motorsports Association and Port Macquarie Heritage Car Club reaching 25 years, while Series X3 NSW, Saab Car Club of Australia (NSW) and Australian Pulsar Racing Association celebrated a decade.
The 2025 NSW/ACT Event of the Year was also announced as Round 5 of the Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championship, held at Sydney Motorsport Park on 27-28 September for its strong fields, high-quality racing, and professional event delivery.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Darren Barlow was posthumously honoured for his outstanding and lasting contribution to motorsport in New South Wales, with wife Rebecca receiving the final Service Star of the evening on his behalf.
“As State Council Chair, Darren provided strong leadership, guidance and advocacy for clubs and competitors across the state,” it was cited.
“He also made a significant impact through his service on the Motor Race Panel and his involvement with the NSW Supersports Club, where his knowledge, commitment and collaborative approach helped shape competition and governance.
“Darren was widely respected for his integrity, dedication and willingness to give his time for the betterment of the sport. His leadership, passion and service have left a lasting legacy within the motorsport community.”
Dedication continues to drive motorsport in NSW and the ACT. Motorsport Australia extends its congratulations to all award recipients and expresses gratitude to the officials, volunteers, and supporters who make motorsport happen in the region.
Photo Album
Award Winners
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory State Motorsport Official of the Year – Neville Ling
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory State Future Star – Ayce Buckley
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory State Event of the Year – NSW Motor Race Championship Round 5, Australian Racing Drivers Club
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Kevin Bartlett Award – Daniel Frougas
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Judith Rae Award – Nigel Bland
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Coral Taylor Award – Corinne East-Johnston
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Colin Bond Award – Lance Arundel
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – David Atkins
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – David Morrow
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Robert Flood
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Ken Behrend
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Cheree Beattie
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Andrew Beattie
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Glenn Nichols
- Motorsport Australia Service Award – Andrew Leithhead
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Darren Barlow
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Howard Grove
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Nicholas Nikiforoff
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Elaine Nikiforoff
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Ian Irons
- Motorsport Australia Service Star – Murray Slana
