Queensland has honoured last year’s state champions and recognised many dedicated individuals at the 2024 Queensland State Awards, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance and hosted by Bruce Astbury, State and Club Competition Manager at Motorsport Australia.

80 attendees were welcomed to the event at Brisbane Motor Museum, the first in-person Queensland State Awards since 2020.

A standout winner of the night was Porsche Carrera Cup driver Harri Jones, who took home the Will Power Trophy, recognising the young Queenslander’s outstanding racing achievement.

The 25-year-old was crowned the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, marked by a series of dominant race craft.

Jones won seven races in a row, a total of 12 victories, 18 podiums and multiple lap records that ultimately propelled him to the top of the standings.

Alongside young gun Jones, Dylan Furche was awarded Queensland’s Future Star Award, who was crowned 2024 Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association Club Champion.

Picking up the Ann Thomson Trophy, an award celebrating an individual that shows an outstanding contribution to motorsport, was the well-recognised official, Ian Mayberry.

Mayberry has been an official for more than 50 years and was previously the 2021 Queensland Service to Sport Award winner.

Officials are integral to every motorsport event, which is why volunteer officials were also honoured during the night, including State Official of the Year, Kevin Hunter.

The night also congratulated three Service Award winners, including Craig Bourke, John Tupicoff and David Rowe.

Rowe’s contribution shone brightly, with him being involved in motorsport for over 34 years. He has served as a flag marshal at every Gold Coast racing event since 1991 and at 78 years old, Rowe’s commitment remains unwavering.

Motorsport Australia also acknowledged significant club milestones, highlighting the enduring impact and achievements of clubs that remain essential to the ongoing growth and evolution of the sport.

Triumph Sports Owners Association (Qld) Inc and Porsche Club Queensland Inc celebrated an impressive 50 years of dedication to motorsport.

Meanwhile, the Lotus Club Queensland Inc, North Queensland Offroad Racing Association Inc, and Queensland Scrutineering Association Inc reached a notable 25-year anniversary, and the Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club Inc celebrated a decade.

The 2024 Historic Leyburn Sprints, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of Leyburn’s Australian Grand Prix, has been named Queensland State Event of the Year.

Last August’s 28th annual Historic Leyburn Sprints in the small town Darling Downs, was the most successful on record. Almost 18,000 people attended across the weekend to see 230 cars on track, feature cars including some original 1949 grand prix entries and meet former Australian Grand Prix drivers Warwick Brown, Bruce Allison, John Bowe and Charlie O’Brien.

The evening served as a heartfelt celebration of the passion and commitment that fuels motorsport in Queensland.

Motorsport Australia extends its congratulations to all award recipients and expresses deep gratitude to the officials, volunteers, and supporters whose efforts make motorsport thrive in Queensland.

Award Winners

Award	Recipient
Ann Thomson Trophy	Ian Mayberry
Outstanding Club Award	Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club
Queensland Future Star Award	Dylan Furche
Will Power Trophy	Harri Jones
Queensland State Event of the Year	Historic Leyburn Sprints
Service Award Winner	Craig Bourke
Service Award Winner	John Tupicoff
Service Award Winner	David Rowe
Service Star	Geoff Nicol
Queensland Junior Official of the Year	Bradley Hennekam
State Official of the Year	Kevin Hunter