V8 champ Ambrose awarded inaugural Sheene Medal.

The inaugural Barry Sheene medal was presented to newly crowned V8 Supercar Series champion Marcos Ambrose at the official championship awards ceremony.

Following on from the spectacular, high-profile conclusion to the 2003 series at Eastern Creek Raceway on Sunday, the who's who of the Australian motorsport industry gathered for the presentation of the annual awards, held at the Westin Hotel in Sydney.

Ambrose's Stone Brothers Racing team topped off a fantastic season by taking home six awards, including that for champion team, and the prestigious Barry Sheene medal, awarded for the first time by the media, who voted after each round of the series, awarding points for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, fan appeal and personality.

AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane said that the award was a fitting tribute to the former 500cc motorcycling world champion, who moved to Australia's Gold Coast and became a popular member of the Australian racing scene in his role as commentator and advisor.

"Barry Sheene was a highly valued supporter and contributor to the V8 Supercar family, who himself had an extremely successful career," Cochrane said before the award was handed to Ambrose, "It seemed logical and right to name an award in his honour that represented all that he was - I don't think Barry could have come up with a more fitting winner who truly shows all the great qualities the medal represents."

Cochrane added that the awards spectacular was an apt way to cap off a phenomenal 2003 season.

"Tonight's awards close what has been a sensational season of V8 Supercar racing," he admitted, "This season more than ever before has been filled with action and
excitement and rewards and triumphs.

Australian Idol talent search finalist Shannon Noll set the tone evening by singing the national anthem and two of the songs that launched him to stardom on the television show.

The full list of award winners at the V8 Supercar gala reads as follows:

Best Volunteers Group: VIP Petfoods Main EventMedia Award (Press): Ray Kershler - Daily TelegraphMedia Award (Electronic): Sports Tonight - Network TenMerit Award: TVNZ [Pukekohe coverage]Best Presented Team: Holden Racing TeamPromoter of the Year: Clipsal 500VIP Petfoods Top Dog of the Year Award: Paul Radisich - Triple 888 RacingChampion Team of the Year: Stone Brothers RacingBathurst Champions: Greg Murphy & Rick Kelly - Kmart Racing TeamMonroe Pole Award: Marcos Ambrose - Stone Brothers RacingKonica V8 Series Champion: Mark Winterbottom - Stone Brothers RacingChampion Manufacturer: FordMike Kable Rookie of the Year: Mark Winterbottom - Stone Brothers RacingPeople's Choice (Most Popular Team): Holden Racing TeamPeople's Choice (Most Popular Driver): Mark Skaife - Holden Racing Team

V8 Supercar Championship Series Third Place: Mark Skaife - Holden Racing TeamV8 Supercar Championship Series Second Place: Greg Murphy - Kmart Racing TeamV8 Supercar Series Champion: Marcos Ambrose - Stone Brothers Racing

Barry Sheene Medal: Marcos Ambrose - Stone Brothers Racing