Throughout the evening, Australian motor sport was well represented through a variety of nominations and winners, with the highlight being Allan Moffat’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

Moffat was one of eight greats to receive one of the highest accolades in Australian sport, with the 78-year-old being just the fourth in history from motor sport to do so.

Moffat’s entry into the Hall of Fame is reward for an influential career that saw the Canadian-born driver claim four Australian Touring Car Championship titles, as well as iconic race wins at Bathurst and Sandown four and six times respectively.

Joining Moffat in his induction was Harry Kewell (Soccer), Wendy Botha (Surfing), Darren Lockyer (Rugby), Drew Ginn OAM (Rowing) and Robyn Maher AM (Basketball).

Gai Waterhouse (Horseracing) Sam Coffa AM (Administration) received recognition for their role in sport as general members.

Another motor sport winner was CAMS PAYCE Australian F4 Championship driver Cameron Shields, who was one of five junior recipients of the illustrious 2019 Scholarship and Mentoring program. 

Since it’s inception in 2006, the program has provided assistance to young athletes through grants, merchandise and priceless one-on-one mentorships, with more than 65 athletes all benefiting from the scholarship.

For 2019, Shields will be paired with former Major League Baseball pitcher Graeme Lloyd, while Cassiel Rousseau (Diving), Jaryd Clifford (Athletics), Tess Coady (Snowboard) and Giorgia Patten (Rowing) are the other recipients of the scholarship.

It’s impressive feat for the Queenslander who becomes the first junior from motor sport to be part of the program since its foundation.

Motor sport also had two representatives nominated in the prestigious ‘The Don’ award, which was awarded to the athlete who has most inspired the nation through their performances.

Formula 1 superstar Daniel Ricciardo’s effort in the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix saw him nominated for the award, while Will Power’s landmark victory in this year’s Indianapolis 500 earned him a spot on the list of eight athletes.

Neither drivers managed to secure the award, with paralympian Kurt Fearnley recognised for his final performances in Australian colours at the year’s Commonwealth Games.

The three-time Paralympic gold medallist enjoyed a brilliant campaign during the Gold Coast games, claiming a silver medal in the 1500m run and gold in the marathon.

This year was the fourth time that Fearnley was nominated for the role.

The final form of recognition to be handed out on the night was to Cricket Australia royalty, the late Richie Benaud, who became the 40th Legend of Australian Sport – the highest honour in Australian sport.

Click here for more information on the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.