Australian motocross champion Chad Reed and former Australian rally champion Graham Hoinville are two motorsport representatives included in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Reed was appointed a member in the general division (AM) while Hoinville received a medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.
At 29, Reed is the second youngest recipient of his award.
Born in Kurri Kurri, NSW, Reed has arguably the best motocross rider in the world, winning multiple world and US titles.
“When you look at the Honours list over the years, there are only a handful of individuals recognised for what they have achieved in motorsport,” Reed said.
“For me to now be joining that elite group that includes people like Mick Doohan and Brockie (Peter Brock) is quite surreal.
“I’m a little speechless actually, it’s quite unbelievable. Ever since I was a kid all I have ever wanted to do is ride dirt bikes and as time went on riding became racing and eventually that developed into wanting to be a world champion.
“The world is a very different place these days and with all that has gone on in Australia this year – the good with advancements in medicine and science and the bad with natural disasters and the loss of so many of our diggers.
“I’m an extremely proud Australian and to me it can’t get any better than to be honoured by our government and my fellow Australians when our country has so much going on.
“I think that the coolest part of this is to be one of the youngest recipients.
“I really hope a lot of young people see this as an example that age makes no difference these days and that it’s all about dreaming big.”
Hoinville has received his OAM for service to motor sport through a range of technical and executive roles.
Hoinville, a competitor and official in motorsport since 1950, is a representative of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and Historic Motor Sport Commission. On track, his biggest success was winning the 1968 Australian Rally Championship as a co-driver for Harry Firth, while his best off-track award came in 1971 when he received the Award of Merit, CAMS’ highest recognition.
