Dan Hodgins wins NT Champion of the Year at Motorsports NT Awards

Motorsports NT celebrated another huge year for its thousands of members in its annual awards night celebrating the best competitors, volunteers and officials. Check out all the winners.

Nathaniel Chambers

2 min read

February 9, 2025 - 6:30AM

News Sport Network

Glen Holmes won the NT Volunteer of the Year at the 2024 Motorsports Awards. Picture: Tim Nichol

Another huge year for Central Australian Dan Hodgins on the drag racing track has been rewarded with being crowned the NT Champion of the Year at the Motorsports NT Awards.

The Central Australian Drag Racing Association president was also named the NT Driver of the Year in recognition of his accomplishments throughout 2024.

Jordy Butler form Darwin Karting Association was named the NT Rising Star while Top End Motor Cross Club’s Nathan Lawrence was awarded the NT Junior Driver of the Year.

Dan Hodgins won the NT Driver of the Year and NT Champion of the Year at the 2024 Motorsports Awards. Picture: Tim Nichol

The night recognised those behind the scenes as well with Glen Holmes winning the Volunteer of the Year accolade while Jodie Simpson was awarded the Administrator of the Year.

Ray Henry received Motorsports NT life membership for his lifetime commitment as a volunteer and official across go-karts, motorbikes, speedway, off road racing, Finke and charity events.

The awards capped off a huge 12 months for Motorsports NT, which is responsible for 22 affiliated clubs and more than 10,500 licenced competitors, pit crew, volunteers and officials.

More than 190,000 spectators are expected to attend Motorsports NT events each year with an Ernst and Young analysis in 2020 showing motor sports contributes $93.7m to the NT each year.

Sylanne Preston and Declan Kelly were both named the NT Junior Official of the Year at the 2024 Motorsports Awards. Picture: Tim Nichol

Motorsports NT executive officer Tony Sievers said the board was “committed to growing a sustainable economy across the Territory to support grass roots to create a pathway to the top”.

“This includes current super motorsports stars such as local competitors Bryce Fullwood Supercars, Joel Kelso World MXGP3 star, Rossi Johnson V8 SuperUtes and many more up and coming stars.

“As per the winners and finalists of the 2024 Awards represent – we are in for a fast and exciting future ahead, including the World MXGP coming to Darwin in Sept 2025.

“Congratulations to all our Finalists and Award Winners, you are all stars in motorsports and we appreciate your efforts, let’s go racing in 2025.”

Meanwhile, three Motorsports Appreciation Awards were given out for enthusiasts who go above and beyond to support motorsport events.

Jordy Butler won the NT Rising Star at the 2024 Motorsports Awards. Picture: Tim Nichol

V8 SuperUte driver Rossi Johnson was for his dedication to helping NT juniors, drivers and riders achieve, as an ambassador for the Ride Against Cancer Event and all round NT sportsperson.

MSNT Board Treasurer Mike Walker for three terms as MSNT Volunteer Treasurer and providing significant volunteer work dedicated to the financial growth of MSNT and Clubs across the NT.

And Speedway competitor Clive Baxter who is a life member and dedicated volunteer in motorsports and the spearhead for the very successful Ride Against Cancer 66 Laps Charity event for the Allan Walker Cancer Care Centre.

NT JUNIOR OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Sylanne Preston (Top End Dirt Karts)

Declan Kelly (Top End Mud Racing)

NT JUNIOR RIDER OF THE YEAR

Nathan Lawrence (Top End Motor Cross Club)

NT JUNIOR DRIVER OF THE YEAR

Memphis Cross (Top End Dirt Karts Association)

NT RISING STAR

Jordy Butler (Darwin Karting Association)

NT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Glen Holmes (Top End Motor Cross Club)

NT OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR