Feeney opens up at Gala Awards, pays tribute to Mostert
Broc Feeney opens up at Gala Awards after tough championship defeat
Feeney won Barry Sheene Medal, Jim Richards Award at 2025 Gala Awards
Triple Eight star won 14 races, claimed 19 pole positions in brilliant season
A resolute Broc Feeney left the 600-strong at Monday night’s Supercars Gala Awards in awe after a rousing speech amid heartache for the Triple Eight star.
Just 24 hours after a chastening championship defeat that left him in tears, Feeney dusted himself off and accepted the major accolades on Monday night.
When he accepted the Jim Richards Award, the 23-year-old thanked his team and his family, and expressed his honour in taking home the night’s biggest awards.
“It means a lot, obviously. Very special. I'm very honoured to be up here tonight,” Feeney said.
“To receive the Barry Sheene Award, the Jim Richards Award, it means a lot because it comes from a lot of you guys here, it comes from the fans at home.
"My parents that have sacrificed so much over my 23 years of pretty much probably 20 years of racing. I've been at a race track since I've been three years old.
"Roland [Dane] took a punt on me. All those people that are sitting here tonight had to back him and supported him to put a young kid into Red Bull Ampol Racing, and yet to be here a few years later and to win these awards is really special."
When asked about Sunday’s heartbreak, Feeney said: “It obviously fuels me. It is tough at the end of the year, always going, 'oh, there's always next year’.
“You’ve got to keep coming back and trying to be stronger. I felt like I made a huge jump this year and tried to leave no stone unturned.
"And I think the work ethic that the 88 crew puts in and the whole Red Bull Ampol Racing is something that I'm so proud to be a part of.
“A few people have touched on it, but the way my team's conducted themselves over the past 24 hours, I'm just so proud to be a part of this group of people."
When pressed further about the result, Feeney quickly diverted attention to rival Mostert, who claimed his maiden Supercars crown. Towards the end of his address, though, Feeney made it clear to his rivals that he wasn’t going to leave anything on the table next season.
“It is really hard to speak about yesterday,” the Queenslander added.
"I want to take the time to congratulate Chaz. There's no doubt he's a deserving champion, I think everyone can agree. The run that he went on in this Finals Series is something that he should be truly proud of.
“He's a great role model for the sport. He's fantastic with the fans, with all the drivers. He's always been great to me. I really want to congratulate him on what is a fantastic championship.
“You've honestly pulled together a run like the Broncos, you got to the final and cracked on some great form. So congratulations to you.
“Yeah, I'm gonna try and come back stronger. I mean, we've had a great year, but we can always try and raise the bar. There's lots to be proud of and reflect on, but I hope I make it harder for you guys next year.”
