Having ticked that box about half-a-dozen times, the Warrnambool driver declared his rookie campaign a major success — and state officials agree.

O’Keeffe was among award winners at the Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria presentation night on Saturday, picking up rookie of the year honours.

The award recognised his sixth-placed finish in the SRA Victoria series. He also finished just outside the top 10 in the three-night Easter Trail.

O’Keeffe, 23, said he was rapt with the recognition. The motor mechanic attended the presentation night with little idea he would take out an award.

“We did more than what we expected. Making A mains was the biggest thing for us, being up there in a few of them,” he said.

O’Keeffe, a two-time winner of the Victorian formula 500 title, said the step-up to sprintcars had been challenging. He drives for Colac’s Paul O’Shannessy.

“It’s basically a whole different ball game. There’s a lot more concentration and skill required for sure,” he said.

“We’ve taken it one step at a time and played it cool, tried to keep out of trouble and get more laps in really. It’s definitely been a big learning curve.”

He thanked O’Shannessy for having faith in his driving ability. “I can’t thank him enough. Him and all my sponsors, you can’t go without them,” he said.

O’Keeffe was among three Warrnambool drivers whose season achievements were recognised at the presentation night at Geelong.

Jamie Veal received the SRA Victoria series title and aggregate points title, an award which encompasses every sanctioned meeting in the state.

Veal’s crew, spearheaded by chief Glen Beaton, was named crew of the year while Corey McCullagh earned the most-improved driver gong.

“I was pretty chuffed about getting the award. We’ve had a pretty up-and-down season,” McCullagh said.

“We showed we’ve got good car speed. It’s a matter of ticking all the boxes on the same night. We’re pretty excited and pumped up for next season.”

McCullagh said he was rapt to win best-presented car at the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Premier Speedway in January.

His on-track highlight was finishing third in the last round of the SRA Victoria series.

He crossed the line fourth but rose to third on a technicality. “It’s not the way I wanted to get my first podium but you take it,” he said.

McCullagh, who drives a family-owned car, said he wanted to build on his success when the new season rolled around in October.