Ken_Smith_(racing_driver)

Ken Smith (racing driver)

Ken Smith (racing driver)

New Zealand racing driver

Kenneth James Smith MBE (born 11 August 1941) is a New Zealand motor racing driver, who won the New Zealand Grand Prix in 1976, 1990, and 2004.[1][2]

Quick Facts Ken Smith MBE, Nationality ...

Smith first competed in motor racing in 1958, winning the New Zealand Hill Climb championship when he was 16. He progressed to single seater racing in 1962, first driving a Lola March T, Formula Junior car. Later he raced in Formula Ford, Formula 5000, Formula Pacific, Formula Mondial, and Toyota Racing Series among others[3][4]

Smith won the Gold Star Drivers Award in the 1975–1976, 1983–1984, 1984–1985, 1986–1987 and 1989–1990 seasons.[5] In 2011 Smith won the Formula 5000 Revival championship for the third time.[6] As well as his victories in New Zealand, Smith also won the Penang Grand Prix three times, the Selangor Grand Prix twice, and the Malaysian Grand Prix once.[7]

In 2021, Smith took part in his 50th New Zealand Grand Prix at age 79, during his 63rd consecutive season of racing.[8][9]

Honours and awards

Smith was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1987 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to motorsport,[10] and in 1995 was inducted into the New Zealand Motorsport Hall of Fame.[11] In 2008 he received the Motorsport Personality of the Year award.[12] In 2010 he received a Motorsport New Zealand Special Award given in recognition of his pivotal role in motorsport.[13]

Racing Record

NZ F5000 Tasman Revival Series

More information Year, Entrant ...
  • * Season Still in progress
  • ** Needed to compete at all rounds to be classified for points

Complete Toyota Racing Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

More information Year, Team ...

References

  1. [1]
    "Ken Smith Still Has Winning Formula". Stuff.co.nz. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  2. [2]
    "New Zealand Grand Prix". Toyota Racing Series. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  3. [3]
    "Ken Smith". Speedcafe.com. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  4. [4]
    "Toyota Racing Series". Toyota Racing Series. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  5. [5]
    "Gold Star Race Champions - Single Seater". Motorsport New Zealand. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  6. [6]
    "Smith Secures Third Consecutive Formula 5000 Revival Crown". Motorsport New Zealand. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  7. [7]
    "Titles". Ken Smith. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  8. [8]
    "Tributes paid to Smith ahead of 50th NZGP start".
  9. [9]
    Bartholomaeus, Stefan (14 January 2021). "KEN SMITH SET FOR 50TH NZ GP START". Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  10. [10]
    "No. 50950". The London Gazette (4th supplement). 13 June 1987. p. 32.
  11. [11]
    "'You' Night Attracts Scott Dixon". scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  12. [12]
    "Motorsport New Zealand Media Awards". Motorsport New Zealand. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  13. [13]
    "Motorsport New Zealand Special Award". Motorsport New Zealand. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
More information Sporting positions ...
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