Mitch Evans, the young Aucklander who has dominated single-seater racing in New Zealand for the past two seasons in the Toyota Racing Series, has won MotorSport New Zealand’s prestigious Jim Clark Trophy.
The award was one of four premier awards presented at the annual MotorSport Awards in Wellington on Saturday night.
“These awards recognise both competition performance and sportsmanship; a drivers’ attitude towards fellow competitors and race officials, who are critical to the successful and safe running of events,” said president Shayne Harris.
“We have witnessed an outstanding year of racing and seen some brilliant young racers and rally drivers moving from our national competition onto the world stage.”
Hayden Paddon, from Geraldine, has dominated the domestic rally scene in recent years, winning junior and national titles, and performed with distinction internationally by finishing third in the 2010 Production World Rally Championship. He was awarded the Rally Founders Trophy for the fourth successive year.
The Steel Trophy, which recognises the outstanding junior (under 21) driver, was also presented to Mitch Evans. Like Paddon, and several other nominees, he is a graduate of MotorSport New Zealand’s Elite Academy, which is proving remarkably successful in preparing young competitors for the demands of high-level competition.
The Lupp Trophy, which is awarded to a competitor in the Historic and Classic field, who has displayed exceptional levels of sportsmanship and made a significant contribution to the class, was presented to Invercargill engineer Noel Atley. In addition to owning and racing a Begg 5000, he also built some of the motorcycles used in the 2005 movie The World’s Fastest Indian.
“MotorSport runs on the efforts of volunteers up and down the country,” said Mr Harris. “It is their passion and we have a range of awards which acknowledge the effort and time they commit to running events and delivering other vital services to the sport.”
Other awards presented on the night include:
The Ron Frost Memorial Award presented to Aucklanders Tony Roberts and Chris Watson, who built Hampton Downs Raceway.
Member d’Honneur was awarded to Pat Higgins (Palmerston North) for his contribution to circuit safety in New Zealand and internationally; in particular his development of new bitumen compounds now used in many parts of the world, which lessen water spray on circuits.
Steward d’Honneur was presented to Kelvin Booth (Wanganui), who has served the sport in many roles, including steward and permit issuing steward, for more than 25 years.
Awards of Merit were presented to long-serving steward Barry Higham (Christchurch) and Raymond Bennett (Palmerston North). Mr Bennett has been involved in competing and event organisation for the past 30 years and served on the national Executive of the sport for 13 years, the last three as vice president.
A Special Award was made to the NZ Academy of Sport South and Otago University School of Physical Education for their participation in the Elite Academy programme.
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to: steward and event organiser Rod Bracegirdle (Dannevirke); electronic timing expert Tim Gibbes (Auckland); Teretonga chief flag marshal Richard McMillan (Invercargill); Auckland steward and vice president of the NZ Grand Prix Graeme Mortensen; long-serving steward and chairman of the race championship stewarding panel Wade Paterson (Gore); Tauranga clerk of the course and communications expert Bill Richardson; rally advocate Bruce Sollitt (Kapiti) and technical specialist Maurice Thomson (Te Awamutu).
Journalism Media Award, Shaun Summerfield (Auckland); TV Media Award, Dave Hedge; Photographer of the Year (Portfolio), Lee Howell (Christchurch); President’s Award (single shot) Andrew Bright (Auckland); Media Personality of the Year, Hayden Paddon (Geraldine).
