While it may not have been the way he imagined it would be, Stephen Henry is still relishing his new status as the 2021 Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Champion.
 
With three rounds having been run this year before championship organisers called the season last month, Henry and his navigator Steve Walton were crowned the champions.
 
It’s been a decent year for the New South Wales based driver, who once again showcased his consistency behind the wheel, having finished on the podium twice and being the only driver to finish on the top five in all three races.
 
Although he was unable to fight for the championship over the course of the full-scheduled seven rounds, Henry was still thrilled to come away with the title that he had been working hard for.
 
“It’s sort of a strange one because I was half expecting another round, which would have been a good way to end the season, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be,” Henry said.
 
“It’s a sad way to finish and a bit of subdued celebrations as it would have been a bit fairer if we did get that fourth and final round.
 

"With that said, it’s really nice to have a title to my name. Not many people get to claim being an Australian champion or any national or state champion for that matter.
 
“We put in a lot of effort into the three rounds – and It was good to be rewarded in some way because at the end of the day, the future doesn’t remember the circumstances of how each champion won, it just remembers who won.
 
“A big thanks must go out to Steve for all his work. You can’t manufacture that passion that he has for the sport and he seriously lifted the mood every event. 
 
"Also to Sam Beck, Kincrome and Motorsport Australia for giving us a championship to run in.”
 
Henry winning the title wouldn’t come as a major shock to SXS fans.
 
First competing in the championship back in 2017, the Queenslander battled hard in his debut season before producing his highest finish the following year.
 
In 2018, Henry claimed his first and only round win and claimed a number of podiums on the way to finishing third by just six points to Simon Evans – the man who coincidentally finished second this year.
 
He may have finished third in 2018, but Henry was well in the title fight deep into the final race of the season in Broadford where he just lost out in a thrilling finale.
 
Staying true to his goal of one day being a champion, Henry worked hard in the 2019 pre-season to get ready for another title charge, but the season ended up being a failure - his best finish of fourth leading him to P8 after four rounds.
 
The year off in 2020 enabled him to revamp his mindset and get his car primed for another charge - a feat he was able to achieve with the assistance of Steve Walton from UTV Surgery.
 
As the championship introduced a new format for the 2021 season, ultimately evening out the playing field, Henry and Walton adapted well and their consistency gave them the lead after three rounds.
 

Interestingly, that first race of the season served as the 56-year-old’s best highlight from the year as the finale could have had far different implications had the result been any different.
 
“For me, the highlight was that first round of the year,” Henry said.
 
“I ended up having a malfunction with my helmet early on and I had to run the majority of the event with the visor up. There was so much mud and sand that got into the cabin too.
 
“Because of the mud coming through, I suffered a bit of eye damage. There were many times throughout the round I thought to call it a day – but I persevered and we were rewarded with a podium – which ended up proving the difference.
 
“In hindsight, it may have been a bit foolish to continue going out, but when it comes to sport, you have to push yourself in any circumstances to win titles.
 
“I really enjoyed the year and I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 has in store for myself and the rest of the championship.”