Queensland has honoured last year’s state champions and recognised many dedicated individuals at its 2023 State Awards presentation, hosted by Cameron van den Dungen.
 
There was much to celebrate in the virtual ceremony, as a variety of clubs, drivers and officials had the opportunity to speak about their years and careers to date.
 
While the 2023 champion drivers deservedly got their recognition for their stellar seasons, including the likes of Hillclimb Champion Dean Amos, Off Road Champion Ryan Taylor and Rally Champion Ian Menzies, the Queensland State Awards also presented some high-profile drivers with special accolades.
 
Taking out the highly esteemed Will Power Trophy, which recognises outstanding achievements by a young Queenslander, was Repco Supercars Championship Star, Broc Feeney.
 
Feeney enjoyed a breakout year in Australia’s premier racing category, having finished third on overall standings in just his second season, while picking up five wins and a further six podiums in the process.
 

Feeney wasn’t the only young driver to receive special recognition either, with Porsche Carrera Cup young gun Bayley Hall named as the Future Star recipient.
 
Hall also had a solid year behind the wheel, claiming a maiden round win on the Gold Coast and round runner-up at Sandown, while also securing a top 10 finish in his Carrera Cup North America debut at Laguna Seca in California.
 
In addition to the two talented drivers, volunteer officials were also honoured during the presentation, with Mark Buckingham taking out the prestigious State Official of the Year Award.
 
Displaying outstanding commitment as a motorsport volunteer at range of events over a significant period of time, Buckingham is one of the sport’s quiet achievers, whose attitude, willingness to fulfil any role of take and positive attitude make him a worthy winner of the award.
 
Another top gong at the Queensland Awards is the Ann Thomson Trophy, which recognises outstanding contribution to the sport and was shared by the highly respected Athol & Carmel Wilcox.
 
From some of the more experienced volunteer officials to one at the start of her journey – taking out the Queensland Junior Official of the Year Award was Hayley Lyons, who went from first attending a Girls on Track event in 2022 to officiating at four events last year, serving as a great role model for young officials as a result.

Three individuals received Service Awards for their contributions to the sport, with successful IPRA driver Bruce Cook, long time rally-sponsor Keith Fackrell and 10-year Z Car Club of Queensland President Paul Clemens all deserving recipients of the award.
 
Outside of the many individuals recognised for their contributions to the sport both on and off the track, there were a handful of clubs to received honours during the virtual ceremony.
 
The most notable ones being the Central Coast Car Club, which was awarded the State Event of the Year for its remarkable efforts in hosting the 2023 Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship, and the Ipswich West Moreton Auto Club, which was named as the Outstanding Club of the Year.
 
Other clubs to enjoy acknowledgment were the Aussie Racing Car Club, Downs Motorsport Club and the Sprite Car Club of Queensland – all of which celebrated major milestones in 2023.

Watch the Queensland State Awards replay below.