The former Junee reinsman received the Junee Sports Award of the Year at the official ceremony on Australia Day.

The 20-year-old was in town to take part in the Carnival Of Cups meeting that night and was thrilled to be recognised.

"It's good and a big honour," Hart said.

"There were plenty of big achievements from the locals throughout the year so it was good to come home and win that award. I hold it in high stead that's for sure."

Hart made the move to Menangle in October 2017 and has driven over 250 winners.

It included a number of group three wins at the state's premier track as well as some closer to home.

He returned to Riverina and combined with uncle Trevor White to take out the NSW Breeders Challenge Regional final with Western Secret.

It came after he won the first Wagga Pacers Cup at the new Riverina Paceway with Beetson in April.

Hart was surprised to be nominated after making the move away from home.

"There has been plenty of good sportsmen over the years come from Junee but I've had a good year to get the award," he said.

"I was a bit surprised when mum rang me up to say one of the locals had nominated me, I didn't really give it a thought before that, but it was a good surprise."

Hart was also selected to represent NSW in the Australasian Young Drivers Series in New Zealand.

After a perfect start to the series, winning the first three legs, Hart had to settle for second behind Sheree Tomlinson.

However as the 20-year-old was the first Australian over the line he received an invitation to take part in the in the famed Guldklockan (Gold Watch) series.

Hart will be the first Australian to take part in the series.

"It has been a busy year and I had a bit of luck in New Zealand, had a few wins there, and it was a really good trip," he said.

"It earned me a spot in represent Australia in Sweden so there's good times ahead."

Hart heads to Solvalla in December and expects a very different kind of racing.

"It will be a good trip and something different over there," he said.

"They say their trotters are nice over there.

"I think it is going to be up to minus 10 so I'll need my thermal gear on and all that sort of stuff.

"I'll probably do a bit of travelling while I'm over there which should be good."

Hart also had some luck on his return to Junee on Sunday driving Western Sonador to victory in a Invitational Drives Series race for Ellen Bartley.

Craig Duncan (soccer) and Jason Hill (hockey) were also nominated for their contributions.