Second batch of Sexton Trophy nominees announced
Photo credits: Robbie Reynolds Photography, Littledude Photography
After the first four 2025 Sexton Trophy Young Racing Driver of the Year award nominees were chosen earlier this year, an additional two have now been chosen. The two new selections represent the best up-and-coming talent in circuit racing with these contenders being selected for their performances in August and September. This year, nominations will come in the form of a monthly selection, as adjudicated by a panel appointed by Motorsport Ireland.
August: TJ Taaffe
16-year-old TJ Taaffe from Ardee, Co. Louth is the first of two drivers across the line for this batch of nominations. Currently in transition year at Ardee Community School and working part-time on the side, Taaffe secured his first ever Sexton Trophy nomination for his performance in the ICCR Junior Mini Championship.
September: Leo Richardson
Dublin’s Leo Richardson, 15, is the September nominee, selected in part for his title win in the Junior Mini Challenge, securing eight wins along the way. Also a fourth-year student, Richardson is undertaking work-experience as a driver coach for other drivers in various Irish championships.
The two new nominees join the previously announced Fionn McLoughlin, Jason Smyth, Sean McGovern, and Victor Cullen in the race to secure the Sexton Trophy.
Over the coming weeks, one more monthly nominee will be selected, with potential wildcards added to the mix at the end for standout drivers who just didn’t quite secure one of the previous spots. The longlist of nominees will then undertake a formal interview process in November with a panel of judges representing Motorsport Ireland, Sport Ireland, the Motorsport Ireland Race Commission, and members of the media.
The Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year award and the historic Sexton Trophy are presented to the individual who has demonstrated the most potential to represent Ireland at home and internationally both on the track as well as in the public eye. This year, the structure of the award has changed, whereby the winner will receive a €42,500 support package to help develop their motor racing career, but for the first time, monetary prizes are awarded for the first and second runners-up at €5,000 and €2,500 respectively.
The overall winner of the 2025 award will be announced at the Motorsport Ireland Champions Awards Lunch in December. The award is presented annually and is supported by Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland.