Motorsport’s Premier Awards Announced

25 May 2014

Motorsport’s Premier Awards Announced

Five individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to motorsport in 2013-2014 at Saturday night’s annual MotorSport NZ (MSNZ) Awards dinner, held this year in Dunedin. Also included in the presentations was recognition of distinguished service, volunteering, membership and media excellence.

“It’s my great privilege to honour these award winners,” said MotorSport New Zealand president Shayne Harris. “These members have made a huge contribution to our sport, both on the national and international stage.”

The Jim Clark Trophy, which recognises the driver who has demonstrated excellent performance and sportsmanship, was awarded to Mitch Evans. In announcing the award, Mr Harris said: “Mitch is one of our brightest stars; he won GP3 championship in 2012 and is currently racing in his second year of GP2, the feeder series for Formula 1.”

Rally Founders Trophy is presented to a driver who performs with distinction during the rally season and displays the qualities of a true sporting ambassador. The 2014 recipient is Hayden Paddon, whose extraordinary year included winning the 2013 New Zealand Rally Championship for a third time and becoming the first-ever Kiwi to secure a professional WRC contract.

The Steel Trophy, which recognises the most outstanding junior (under 21) driver, was presented to 2013 Formula Ford winner James Munro, who claimed the championship in his debut year. The 17-year-old racer was also the top of the class in the 2013 Elite MotorSport Academy, finished seventh in this year’s Toyota Racing Series – against a strong international field - and is currently competing in the Formula Masters China Series.

The Lupp Trophy is awarded to a competitor from Classic and Historic racing, who has demonstrated exceptional levels of sportsmanship, vehicle presentation and who embodies the very spirit and values associated with the Classic and Historic movement. This year there were two recipients: Dale Mathers – the co-founder and coordinator of the prestigious Historic Muscle Cars - and Gary Johnstone, a prominent member of the Canterbury Car Club and organiser of the Skope classic race meeting.

Other awards presented on the night included:

Motorsport Media Personality of the Year Award Scott McLaughlin.

Volunteer of the Year Allan Coker (Christchurch).

Technical D’Honneur John Wigston (Auckland).

Member D’Honneur Eric Mallard (Auckland)

Membership of Honour Hella New Zealand Ltd.

Distinguished Service Awards were presented to: Craig Finlayson (Feilding), Kim Fisher (Auckland), Bevan Gerrard (Invercargill), Dennis Green (Auckland), Errol Hewlett (Gore), Grant Hirst (Auckland), David Loughlin (Tauranga), Dennis Martin (Palmerston North), Bryce Platt (Auckland).

Special Award was presented to Peter (PJ) Johnston (Auckland).

Certificate of Outstanding Achievement presented to ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett (Auckland).

News Journalist of the Year: Shaun Summerfield (Auckand); Feature Journalist of the Year: Donn Anderson (Auckland); Photographer of the Year (Portfolio): Geoff Ridder (Hamilton); President’s Award (single shot): Geoff Ridder (Hamilton);

ENDS

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