Victoria is the latest state to celebrate its officials and state title winning drivers from 2021 at the Victorian State Awards, presented by Shannons Insurance.
 
Like previous states, the virtual presentation was hosted by Cameron van den Dungen and was broadcast via Motorsport Australia’s website, as selected individuals were celebrated for their efforts after what was a busy year for the state.
 
Watch a replay of the Victorian State Awards, presented by Shannons Insurance here.
  
The ceremony included multiple speeches from newly elected Victorian State Council Chairperson Petrina Astbury and Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser.
 
Official festivities began with the acknowledgment of three new Victorian car clubs and the celebration of five Victorian clubs hitting major milestones including the Marque Sports Car Association Victoria, which turned 50 last year.
 
The virtual presentation also recognised all individuals who claimed silverware in 2021.
 
From Victorian Hillclimb Champion in David Mahon to Victorian Rally Champions Darren Windus and Joe Brkic to the 13 Motorsport Australia State Circuit Racing Champions, which included Formula Vee champion Reef McCarthy, Circuit Excel Champion Jarren Farrell and Historic Touring Car Champion Andy Clempson, there was plenty to be celebrated throughout the night.
 
Following on from all the state champions, the winners of the individual awards were announced.
 
Six Victorians were honoured with Service Awards for their work as official volunteers and/or club administrators, including Tom and Carol Latta, Jim Cain, Roger Jeary, Melissa "Lucy " Hatton and Jo Mawson.
 
In addition to the six Service Award recipients, former two-time Historic Rally Association President Rob Cranston was awarded with a Service Star for his contributions to the sport for more than 20-years.
 
The Victorian rally scene was again in the spotlight when the Ada River Rally, a round of the Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship, was awarded with the State event for the year – a testament to the hard work of the highly regarded Western District Car Club.
 
Wrapping up the virtual ceremony was the Motorsport Australia Victorian State Official of the Year award, with the 2021 recipient of the prestigious award being Phillip Island Auto Racing Club member, Rhys Carleton-Carlos.
 
Having been in the sport for multiple decades, Carleton-Carlos has had many roles over the years, ranging from flag marshalling to event secretary to media centre manager before more recently mentoring the next generation of new officials.


A well-respected individual for his hard work, Carleton-Carlos was thrilled to have won the award.
 
“I am honoured to receive this award in recognition for my involvement in motorsport. I have had so many good memories over the past year,” Carleton-Carlos said in his acceptance of the award.
 
“To get an award like this, you need many people around and I have been lucky to have that.
 
"I would sincerely like to thank all those who have contributed to my involvement in motorsport, especially my family who have supported me along the way.
 
"The award doesn’t just represent my efforts, it's more representative of the teams that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them this wouldn’t be possible.”  
 
The final state award virtual presentation, presented by Shannons Insurance will be the New South Wales ceremony on 24 February.