Sterling Seals Back-to-Back ADC Titles with a Round to Spare — The Benchmark Is Set

It's done. Damon Sterling is the 2025 Hankook Australian Drivers' Champion — and he sealed it with a round remaining, just as he'd done so emphatically in 2024.

Sterling's second successive ADC title is the product of one of the most complete seasons of open-wheel racing in Australia in recent years. Across 24 races, he took 16 wins and 7 second-place finishes. In practical terms, he was either first or second in almost every race he started. On the circuits that suited him most — One Raceway, The Bend, Sydney Motorsport Park — he was dominant. On the circuits that offered his rivals more opportunity — Calder, Winton — he was still consistently outstanding.

The manner of the title defence was as impressive as the first. In 2024, Sterling benefited slightly from rivals' inconsistency in an inaugural season where the field was still finding its feet. In 2025, with a faster, deeper, more experienced grid around him, the job was harder — and he still came through with authority.

Hayden Crossland was the driver who gave Sterling most cause for concern in the early rounds, winning Round 1 and showing clear pace throughout. But reliability failures at One Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park eroded what might have been a genuine title challenge. Dean Crooke was the model of consistency — never winning the championship, but never far from the front. Newcomers Bradley Smith, Kyle Gurton, and Justin Yuen all emerged as drivers to watch in future seasons.

Two titles. Twenty-four races of sustained excellence. The benchmark in the AASA-era ADC has a name: Damon Sterling.