By Matthew Sims
Altona Meadows motorsport official Lucy Hatton said she was “quite humbled” to be named as a finalist in the 2021 Victorian Sport Awards.
Named among the finalists for the Sports Accounting Australia Official of the Year Award finalists, she said it was “very unexpected”.
“I would never have thought I would be a finalist,” Ms Hatton said.
She said she initially started as a motorsport official as a hobby following a suggestion from her uncle.
“I’ve always been fascinated with car racing,” Ms Hatton said.
She started off her time as a motorsport official in 2010, after growing up around car rallies and events in country New South Wales.
“You go to one event and then more and then you’re doing it as often as you can,” Ms Hatton said.
She has now officiated a number of national events, including the Melbourne Grand Prix, the 2021 Bathurst six-hour event, the Geelong Revival National Classic Sprint Titles, as well as Supercars events and events at Calder Park.
Ms Hatton said that her time supporting the Melbourne Grand Prix was “such a thrill” and said it was a new experience working to officiate a quarter-mile sprint at the Geelong Revival National Classic.
She has achieved a Gold level timekeeping accreditation as a Motorsport Australia official, which allows her to officiate at all levels from grassroots clubs through to international motorsport events.
Ms Hatton has also rostered for timing officials to ensure that events are covered with the required personnel and equipment, mentored new timekeeping officials and set up online training for motorsport officials.
She said she had built up a strong network of colleagues and competitors during her time in the industry, including her partner of 10 years.
“It’s a great community of people,” Ms Hatton said.
“The biggest thing I do love now about being an official is mentoring and training other people.
“I love seeing new people start as an official and teaching them what I know.”
The Victorian Sport Awards will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at Melbourne Park.
Details: www.vicsport.com.au or motorsport.org.au/officials
