For 46 years, Hockley has been in motorsport, having held a multitude of technical roles at every race track in New South Wales and across multiple disciplines.

 

First joining the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) in 1974, it didn’t take long for Hockley to have a sliding doors moment and create a legacy.

 

Just four years after becoming an official, he saved a man’s life.

 

The moment occurred at a Bathurst race meeting in the late 1970s when a fuelling incident in the pits saw a mechanic catch fire and Hockley the first to react by pushing the man to the ground and ripping off the burning clothes off him. Hockley received severe burns to both arms and hands as a result of his actions, but heroically prevented the man from almost certain death.

 

That moment was reflective of Hockley’s personality – a selfless individual who puts all of those above himself.

 

And as an official, Hockley has utilised those traits to achieve lots since his first race meeting in 1974.

 

From a positional point of view, he has been a Chief Scrutineer for many meetings at New South Wales’ four major race tracks, as well as holding a technical director role for many categories over the years.

 

His work has seen him also pick up a number of accolades over the years – In 2002, he was awarded a Motorsport Australia Service Award, in 2011, he was named as the NSW Official of the Year and last year, he was recognised with a Motorsport Australia Service Star Award.

 

His heroics from that incident in 1978 also saw him awarded the first ever Donald Thomson award in 1979 – an accolade recognising individuals who have brought credit to the sport by way of a spontaneous act of selflessness and consideration for others.

 

However next month, Hockley will be able to add yet another award to his credentials as he becomes the recipient of an award quite possibly one of his most decorated honours – the Distinguished Long Service Award from the 2021 NSW Community Sports Awards.

 

In recognition for his services to motorsport, Hockley has been recognised by Sports NSW and will receive the award during a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House.

 

“I was completely unaware of the award but I am completely overwhelmed,” Hockley said.

 

“I am very proud to have won it, especially as I have never expected to win anything like this in my life. I am also proud to be doing it as a representative for motorsport because it’s my passion.

 

“I haven’t been involved in motorsport to win awards or to receive accolades but it’s always nice to be recognised. For me though, it’s because of the lifelong friendships I have made it motorsport that I have continued to be an official for 46 years.

 

“I have enjoyed it so much and I have no intention of giving it up anytime soon. The day I stop getting enjoyment out of motorsport, or when my very supportive wife wants to spend more time with me, then I will.

 

“I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon so I will continue to do for this for as long as I can. I just love motorsport and all the friendships I have made so it’s an honour to win this award.”

 

Hockley will receive Distinguished Long Service Award during the 2021 NSW Community Sports Awards at the New South Wales Parliament House on 18-19 June.