Instituted in 1961, the Motorsport Australia Award of Merit is the highest recognition that can be conferred upon any person by Motorsport Australia and is awarded for outstanding individual contribution and duration of service to the development and administration of Australian motorsport, on a national basis.

Deserving nominees of this award must have demonstrated duration of services rendered, significant achievement at the highest level and a voluntary contribution to motorsport which stands out above all others.

The Award of Merit will not be awarded to a serving Director of Motorsport Australia.

2017 Steve Chopping AM
2016 Dr Michael Henderson
2015 Bob Glindemann OAM
2012 Robert Piper
2009 Colin Osborne
2007 Dr Bruce Nicol
2006 John M Large OAM
2002 John Keeffe OAM
2001 John Dawson-Damer
1999 David Tait
1999 Peter Bready
1987 John Horn
1985 Hartwell Lander
1984 Ronald Dearie
1982 Robert Taylor
1982 Dr Peter Crooke
1976 Brian Dunstan
1975 Neil Marsden
1972 Douglas Stewart
1971 Graham Hoinville OAM
1969 Noel Burbank
1969 John Pryce
1968 Owen Grahame
1968 Marjory Wood
1965 Donald Thomson
1963 Maurice Monk
1963 Daniel Macfarlane
1962 Douglas Verco OAM

The Australian Motorsport Official of the Year award recognises outstanding achievement as a motor sport official at Motorsport Australia authorised events, or within a Motorsport Australia affiliated club or activity.

A nominee for the Australian Motorsport Official of the Year Award must be a member who has demonstrated dedication to their role, skill and knowledge in their chosen field, positive attitude, and peer recognition.

2023: Susanne Dixon
2022: Bob Hockley
2021: Roger Budz
2020: Dr Brent May
2019: Paul Overell
2018: Vincent Ciccarello
2017: Roger Chirnside
2016: Robert Thiry
2015: Peter Castledine
2014: Belinda Taylor
2013: Tracey Rowley
2012: David Vaughan
2011: David Wood
2010: David Mori
2009: Graham Humphreys
2008: Roger Brown
2007: Peter Drew
2006: Alan Vaughan
2005: Bill Crouch
2004: Greig Black
2003: Graeme Palmer
2002: Jol Fleming
2001: Barry Habgood
2000: Alan O’Dea
1999: Allan Young
1998: Lawrie Schmitt OAM
1997: Ken Smith
1996: Thomas Snooks

In honour of the formative Secretary General of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, this award recognises individuals who have brought credit to the sport by way of a spontaneous act of selflessness and consideration for others – an attitude of service and courage which was always upheld by Donald Kingsley Thomson.

Nominees must have performed an act of courage and selflessness under unique circumstances, which is above and beyond what would normally be expected. In doing so the nominee must have demonstrated how they brought credit to themselves and the sport and portrayed a genuine consideration for others.

2023: Steve Kirby
At Queensland Raceway on 22nd April 2023 a Hyundai Excel driven by Stevie Chant was involved in a nasty rollover in which most of the track was engulfed in dust, severely disrupting visibility. Four following drivers stopped at the scene and offered assistance to Stevie, who was trapped upside down in the car. The urgency for driver extrication elevated significantly as petrol poured from the car’s fuel tank into the cabin and over the track surface. Stevie’s apparel had become saturated with petrol and she was unable to self extricate. Inevitably, the Hyundai Excel burst into flames. From audio, taken from an in-car video from one of the stopped drivers’ cars, it was clear that the loudest sound was from Stevie screaming for help. Upon sighting the igniting of the pooling fuel, Steve Kirby abandoned all concerns for his own safety and in a herculean effort manhandled and literally dragged a flaming Stevie out of her car to a location of relative safety. His courageous and selfless actions to ensure that a fellow driver was able to escape a raging inferno, at the same time placing himself in considerable danger and at risk of life changing burns, bring significant credit on Steve Kirby, making him a worthy recipient of the Donald Thomson award.

2015: Simon Bulasch
The 2015 Donald Thomson is awarded to Simon Bulasch’s for his courageous and selfless actions assisting a struggling driver escape from his vehicle and then offering assistance to a second driver. Tim Playford’s car broke its drive line off the start and the three cars of Carl Weinands, Simon Bulasch and Alan Langworthy were unable to avoid a collision. Although Simon’s car took the most impact, bring lifted off the ground and bursting into flames, Simon managed to escape his car quickly. Noticing that Alan was struggling to exit his car and with the flames only metres away, he raced in to assist Alan escape. Once he knew Alan was clear, his next action was to ensue that Tim was also able to clear his vehicle. These courageous and selfless actions to ensure that other drivers were safe at a time when there was significant risk from fire brings great credit on Simon Bulasch  and to the spirit of the club and all motor sport.

2014: Ryan McLeod
Ryan McLeod brought credit to himself and the sport and portrayed a genuine consideration for others in 2014 at a round at Sydney Motorsport Park. At Sydney Motorsport Park on 11 July 2014, a car rolled over 6 times and caught fire. Ryan in a following car immediately stopped, and made several attempts to extricate the injured driver from the car which was by that time well alight. When assistance arrived, he continued his efforts to subdue the flames. Through Ryan’s efforts the injured driver survived and whilst, suffering life-threatening burns, recovered. Ryan McLeod’s actions reflect extreme courage and selflessness in a very confronting situation, and portray genuine consideration for the well-being of a fellow competitor, making him a worthy recipient of the Donald Thomson award.

2013: Robert Newman
Awarded in recognition of Robert Newman’s courageous actions attempting the rescue of a trapped driver from a burning car at Adelaide International Raceway. Robert went to the aid of Colin Trengove when he lost control of his Lola T332 F5000 racing car, crashing heavily before the it erupted into flames. Robert immediately went to his aid finding him unconscious and still strapped in the burning car. Believing Colin had survived the impact, and with no regard for his own safety, Robert endeavoured to keep the flames away from the driver while he desperately tried to extract him from the car, refusing to give up until the arrival of medical assistance. This extreme act of courage and selflessness under horrific circumstances was above and beyond what would ever be expected, demonstrating Robert’s unwavering consideration for others, bringing credit to both himself and the sport in the process.

2008: Dion Hardy
Awarded in recognition of Dion’s prompt and courageous action in rescuing a trapped competitor from a submerged off road competition vehicle at Kellevie on 17 May 2008. Without the assistance of Dion, the trapped competitor almost certainly would have suffered life threatening complications. In honour of the formative Secretary General of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, this award recognises individuals who have brought credit to the sport by way of a spontaneous act of selflessness and consideration for others – an attitude of service and courage which was always upheld by Donald Kingsley Thompson. This award recognised the act of courage and selflessness under unique circumstances, which is above and beyond what would normally be expected. In doing so, Dion brought credit to himself and the sport and portrayed a genuine consideration for others.

2004: Adam Tipping
In 2004, the Award was presented to Adam Tipping who was competing at a Multiclub Super Sprint at Oran Park in September 2004 when a historic 1965 Ford Cortina rolled. The body of the car suffered extensive damage and a split fuel tank resulted in a fire, threatening driver Hilton Bennet’s life. Being the first immediate following competitor, Adam stopped and extracted Bennet from the burning vehicle before FIV Rescue arrived. Due to his prompt actions, neither Bennet nor his rescuer suffered fire related injuries.

1986: Matthew Springer
At Baskerville in March of 1986, two cars touched accidentally. One crashed and caught fire. The driver was unable to release the seat belt. The other driver, 17-year-old Matthew Springer, stopped his car and immediately went to the aid of the trapped driver. Without regard for his own safety and after having been beaten back by flames and heat initially, he succeeded in removing the door from the car, unbuckled the driver and dragged him out of the fire. His courage has been recognised by other authorities. The sport has paid tribute by conferring upon him this Award.

1985: Peter Nelson
When Australia was granted a round of the World Formula 1 Championship for its 1985 Grand Prix, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport needed to put together the most competent race management and organisation team available. A cornerstone of that team, and the organisation of the very successful race meeting, was Peter Nelson who was appointed Race Secretary. This high point of his career came after 20 years in the sport with Phillip Island Auto Racing Club, first at Phillip Island, and subsequently as the provider of the administration team at Calder.

1981: Ed Van der Weide and Robert England
The second and third Awards were made to Ed Van der Weide and Robert England, fire and flag marshal respectively, following an incident at Oran Park on 12 April, 1981. On that occasion a car had crashed and was engulfed in flames, the unconscious driver still inside. By their prompt action in attacking the fire and eliminating further risk to the driver, Messrs Van der Weide and England prevented a serious incident turning to tragedy.

1979: Robert Hockley
The first Donald Thomson Award was presented to Robert Hockley in 1979, who was a scrutineer at the Bathurst race meeting in 1978. As refuelling operations on a car were completed, spilt fuel ignited, and the clothes of a mechanic caught fire. Mr Hockley pushed the burning man to the ground and tore the burning clothes from him. In doing so, he himself received severe burns to both arms and hands. There is no doubt that his actions reduced the severity of the injuries sustained by the mechanic.

Launched in 2011, the FIA have created a series of prestigious awards in recognition of exceptional performances by volunteers and officials in International motorsport.  The seven award categories will be issued to the most outstanding motorsport officials in the world and we want to put our Australian officials and volunteers on the world map.

Instituted in 1982, Life Membership is awarded for long-term distinguished service to motorsport. A nominee must have given long-term and distinguished service to Australian motor sport by the application of extraordinary expertise, dedication and positive influence.

2023: Lawrie Schmitt
2023: Paul Morris
2023: Frank Lowndes
2023: Stephen Preece
2023: Phillip East
2022: Graeme Palmer
2022: John Rosengrave
2022: Dr Ryan Story
2022: Roland Dane
2022: Laurence Svenson
2022: Derek Pingel
2022: Ewan Cole
2022: Roger Brown
2019: John Harnden AM
2019: Andrew Fraser
2019: Neil Crompton
2019: Bill Bennett
2018: Jenny Devine
2018: David Miles AM
2018: Mark Skaife OAM
2018: Geoff Sykes
2018: David Vaughan
2017: Ben Rainsford
2017: Peter Macneall
2017: Paul Hamilton
2017: Angus Black
2017: Paul Overell
2016: Colin Trinder
2016: Alan Vaughan
2016: Denise Strawbridge
2016: John Bowe
2015: Ross Tapper
2015: Adrian Stafford
2015: Steve Ashton
2014: Fred Gibson
2014: John Paterson
2014: Bob Watson
2013: Nick Ledingham
2012: John Furlonger
2011: Tom Snooks
2011: Steven Chopping
2011: Bruce Keys
2011: Ross Dunkerton OAM
2010: Colin Bond
2010: Dick Johnson
2009: Dr David Vissenga
2009: Peter Marcovich
2009: Fred Berge
2008: Tony Perich
2008: Ann Thomson
2008: Wayne Cattach
2006: Ian Curwen-Walker
2006: Brian Dunstan
2004: Dr Michael Henderson
2004: Damon Beck
2002: Clement Smith
2002: John Crouch
2002: Arthur Hayes
2002: Peter Nelson
2002: Dr Geoff Wigley
1999: Paddy Baker
1995: Prof Rod Troutbeck
1994: Brian Shead
1986: Mary Packard
1986: Ronald Parkes
1985: Charles Weir
1985: Robert Orr
1982: Fred Pearse

The annual Motorsport Australia Media Awards recognise members of the Australian media for individual contributions during the year.

The Motorsport Australia Media Awards are judged on the quality and impact of the nomination and its ability to present Australia motorsport and/or its participant(s) to the Australian general public.

Service Award Winners
2022: Chris Nixon
2021: Wayne Webster, Garry Wilkinson, Mark Oastler and Andrew MacLean
2019: Leigh Diffey, Geoffrey Harris, Bruce Newton, Jeff Whitten, Peter Whitten, Bruce Williams, Colin Young, Scott Young
2018: David Hassall, Chris Lambden, Brett Murray
2017: Ian Smith, Stuart Bowes, Paul Cross
2016: Glenis Lindley, Neil Crompton
2015: Max Stahl, Mike Raymond, Bill Tuckey, Greg Rust
2014: Bill Woods
2013: Ray Berghouse, Phil Branagan, Jon Evans, Chris De Fraga, Mark Fogarty, Bill Forsythe, Paul Gover, Will Hagon, Bob Jennings, Dirk Klynsmith, Peter McKay, Garry O’Brien

Motorsport Journalist of the Year
2022: Andrew van Leeuwen
2021: Mark Fogarty
2020: Mat Coch
2019: Andrew van Leeuwen
2018: Greg Rust
2017: Tom Howard
2016: Paul Gover
2015: Stefan Bartholomaeus
2014: Mark Fogarty

Motorsport Photograph of the Year:
2022: Peter Norton
2021: Aaron Wishart
2020: Andrew Eaton
2019: Darin Mandy
2018: Brett Hemmings
2017: Dirk Klynsmith
2016: Rebecca Thompson
2015: John Morris
2014: Robert Cianfione

Motorsport Photographer of the Year:
2022: Jack Martin
2021: Daniel Kalisz
2020: Dirk Klynsmith
2019: Dirk Klynsmith
2018: Dirk Klynsmith
2017: Dirk Klynsmith
2016: John Morris
2015: Bruce Thomas
2014: John Morris

Motorsport Story of the Year:
2022: Andrew van Leeuwen (How a doomed Australian motorsport classic was saved – Motorsport.com)
2021: Andrew van Leeuwen (David Reynolds vaccination story – Motorsport.com)
2020: Mark Fogarty (Why Penske quit Supercars – Auto Action)
2019: John Morris (Print/Online: Alex Peroni’s Comeback – Velocity Magazine)
2019: Vanessa Milton (TV/Radio: Women motorsport drivers break down barriers in rally sport – ABC South East NSW)
2018: Andrew van Leeuwen (How Triple Eight beat a black-and-white rule – Motorsport.com)
2015: Greg Rust (Ambrose Explains His Decision)
2015: Stefan Bartholomaeus (V8 Supercars Eyes Bathurst 12 Hour Deal)
2014: Gordon Lomas – Speedcafe (Tribute stories – Sir Jack Brabham)
2014: AirTime Media (Shannons Legends Series)

Best Use of Digital Media:
2022: V8 Sleuth
2021: V8 Sleuth
2020: V8 Sleuth

Membership of Honour may be awarded to a person whose achievements in motorsport have demonstrated leadership, commitment and passion which has added greatly to the value and stature of Australian motorsport.

2023: Dick Johnson
2022: Brad Jones
2022: Kim Jones
2018: Craig Denton
2015: Geoff Morgan AM
2015: Tom Warwick
2014: Ron Tauranac AO
2013: Kevin Bartlett
2009: Peter Brock AM
2009: Allan Moffat OBE
2008: Ron Walker AC, CBE
2008: Tim Schenken OAM
2007: Vern Schuppan
2005: Tony Cochrane
1998: Jack Myers
1997: Bob Jane
1997: Harry Firth
1996: Frank Gardner OAM
1991: Garry Connelly AM
1980: Alan Jones MBE
1978: Garrie Cooper
1971: Phillip Irving MBE
1971: Sir John Arthur Brabham AO, OBE

Launched in 2011, the Peter Brock Medal is awarded annually to a driver who has shown similar characteristics to the late Peter Brock AM. The award recognises outstanding driver ability and commitment to the positive endorsement of motorsport within the greater community.

2023: Brodie Kostecki
2022: Thomas Randle
2021: Toby Price OAM
2020: Alex Peroni
2019: Harry Bates
2018: Anton De Pasquale
2017: Will Brown
2016: Mark Webber AO
2015: Molly Taylor
2014: Jim Richards
2013: Neal Bates
2012: Craig Lowndes OAM
2011: Jason Richards

The Motorsport Australia Personality of the Year award was established to recognise competitors who, through their actions both during and outside of competition, are good ambassadors for Australian motorsport.

2021: Molly Taylor
2014: Scott McLaughlin
2008: Glen Raymond
2007: Sue Evans
2006: Marcus Zukanovic
2005: Grant Denyer
2004: Marcos Ambrose
2003: Simon Evans
2002: Craig Lowndes OAM
2001: Marcos Ambrose

In honour of the remarkable achievements of the late Phil Irving OBE, an outstanding Australian engineer whose efforts impacted motorsport on the world stage, the Phil Irving Award recognises outstanding skill and achievement by an individual Australian engineer or Australian engineering company devoted to serving and positively contributing to competitive motorsport.

2023: Kevin Drage
2021: Oscar Fiorinotto
2019: Peter Molloy
2018: Robert Britton
2017: Stephen Sims
2016: Bill Buckle OAM
2015: David Mawer
2014: Ivan Tighe
2013: Chris Dyer
2013: Ron Harrop
2012: PWR Performance Products
2011: Richard Bendell
2010: Michael Borland
2009: Ian Richards
2007: Neal Bates
2003: Ron Tauranac AO
1994: Peter Holinger

The Service Award is awarded for diligent service to motorsport.

A nominee for the Service Award must be a member who has demonstrated diligent service to the sport by being involved in motorsport activities on a continual basis and by the display of a high level of dedication to the sport over a long period of time.

The Service Star may be conferred by Motorsport Australia on a member who has given exemplary service to Motorsport Australia, usually over many years and often in a variety of roles and activities. It stands above the Service Award and may be a further recognition for a member who holds a Service Award.

A nominee shall have provided dedicated service to the sport over a prolonged period, most probably across a number of roles and duties, in a manner which exceeds those for award of the Service Award.

2023: David Healy, Glenn Pincott, Laurie Feehan, Keith Williamson, Ivar Stanelis

2022: Owen Polanski, Michael Herlihy, Steve Hollowood, Stuart Allen, Don Young, Gwyn Mulholland, Marion Baxter, Gail Kroonstuiver

2021: Bradley Tubb, James Penhale, Karl Fleming, Janelle Orrock, Rob Cranston, Colin Arkell

2020: Robert Hockley, Hannah Holloway, Jake Kroonstuiver, Ian Mayberry

2019: Knut Gassmanis, Michael Clements, Jeremy Browne

2018: Margaret Mackay, Dr Brent May, Terry Wade, Ross Ferguson, John Thorburn

2017: Karen Baker, Brian Everitt, Paul Henningsen, Michael Holloway, Bob Nason, Greta Nason, Trevor Neumann, Ivan Tarrant, Phil Twigg, Robin Wilmot

2016: Garrett (Garry) Coleman OAM, Robert Cracknell,  Ian Lamb, Fred Severin, Joan Shearer, Ian Tate, Kim Taylor, Rosemary Taylor, Tony Van den Dungen, Wendy Walker, Paul Woodward

2015: Graham Boulter, Henk Duncan, David Elliott, Jack Holding, Steven Lynch, David Martin, Graham Wallis

2014: John Palmer, Stephen Preece, Garry Searle, Lesley Smart, Maurice Smith, Robert Stansfield, Graeme Taylor,  Robert Thiry

2013: Roger Brown, Vince Ciccarello, Andrew Fisher, Barry Frost, Margaret Hardy, Andy Van Kann, Kerril Maloney, Neville Pym

2012: Ewan Cole, Gary Grant, Robert Nason, Ross Palmer, Lawrie Schmitt OAM, Neil Turner, Allan Young

2011: Glenda Grove, Bob Lean, Steve Lisk

2010: Adrian Dudok, Dr Rik Hagen, Peter Hall, Paul Overell, Trevor Pound, Benjamin Rainsford, Colin Trinder

2009: Paul Hamilton, Bill Hemming, Ross Tapper

2008: Steve Ashton, Errol Bailey, Milton Brennan, Tony Caldersmith, Bruce Keys, Stuart Kostera, Barry Oliver, John Paterson, Jenny White

2007: Jon Davison, Lin Gigney, Geoffrey Sykes

2006: Peter Macneall, David Manners, Keith Neville, Mitchell Nicholls, Ron Rigby, Adrian Stafford, Steve Vanderbyl, Ben Williams

2005: Lawson Ballantine, Glen Dix, Graeme Palmer, Allan Young

2004: Angus Black, Steve Chopping, Stuart Lister, Paul Temme, Garth Wigston

2002: Judyth Russell

2001: Des Jones, Maurice Wilson

2000: Max Amos, Clyde Carstairs, Dr Bruce Nichol

1999: Ted Blackwell, Dr Martin Gleeson, Warren Gracie, Alan Vaughan, Ian Curwen-Walker

1998: Mike Bell, John Cotter, Ann Thomson, Bruce Went

In recognition of the remarkable achievements of Sir Jack Brabham OBE, the outstanding Australian engineer and driver who rose to the pinnacle of world motorsport, the Sir Jack Brabham award recognises outstanding achievement and success by an Australian motorsport competitor at the international level.

2021: Oscar Piastri
2020: Oscar Piastri
2018: Will Power
2017: Matthew Campbell
2014: Daniel Ricciardo
2012: David Brabham
2011: Tony Gaze, DFC & Two Bars, OAM
2009: Marcos Ambrose
2009: Mark Webber AO
2007: Will Power
2006: Cody Crocker
2006: Ben Atkinson

In 2014, Motorsport Australia instituted the Motorsport Australia Young Driver Award to recognise a young Australian driver who is identified as having achieved significant milestones so far in their career with the potential to progress to higher levels within the sport. 

2023: Aaron Love
2022: Taylor Gill
2021: Broc Feeney
2019: Edan Thornburrow
2018: Lochie Hughes
2017: Cameron Shields
2016: Joey Mawson
2015: Joey Mawson
2014: Anton De Pasquale

The FIA Girls on Track High Achiever Award is a prestigious recognition program designed to celebrate and support young women who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in motorsport. This initiative aims to promote gender diversity and inclusion within the traditionally male-dominated sport of motorsports.

The award recognises outstanding achievements in various aspects of motorsport, including driving, engineering, management, and other related fields. It provides a platform to showcase the talents of young female participants and encourages them to pursue successful careers in the industry.

Winners of the FIA Girls on Track High Achiever Award often receive valuable opportunities such as mentorship, training programs, educational scholarships, and access to networking events within the motorsport community. This initiative plays a crucial role in inspiring and empowering the next generation of female leaders in motorsports, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment within the sport.

2023: Chantelle Lloyd