Schnieder was something of a surprise winner when the award was announced at Saturday’s presentation night in Geelong.

“The big thing that counted in my favour was that I’d done more races than anyone else,” he said.

“I thought I might score well but I really didn’t think I’d win.

“It’s a pretty big honour because there were about 100 people in Victoria that competed for it.”

He competed at 28 races right across the state during the nine-month season which ended at Blue Ribbon Raceway in June. 

Schneider said his most memorable moment came when he crossed the line first at Rushworth in May.

“That was my maiden win and the only time I was on the podium this season,” he said.

“I had a bit of luck and it was just a good day in terms of racing.”

The 32-year-old had to stop racing to build his house 10 years ago.

After taking an extended period off he was lured back for a handful of races during the 2016-17 season.

“I went to the (Grand Annual Sprintcar) Classic in Warrnambool with a mate and that got me stirred up again,” he said.

“My boss was able to give me a bit more time off this year – even during the busy time at harvest – which enabled me to get as many rounds as I could.”

He thanked his sponsors for their continued support as well as his wife Alicia.

“She had to look after our two-year-old daughter each weekend when I was away racing,” he said.

He is already building a new car for next season when he hopes to be able to compete at a high level once again.

“I’m pretty keen to get out there racing again,” he said.