New Zealand’s motorsport community is riding high as we ring in the new year, with three exceptional figures receiving well-deserved recognition in the 2025 New Year Honours List. From the pinnacle of international racing to grassroots development and the unsung heroes who make events possible, these honours showcase the breadth and depth of Kiwi motorsport excellence.
Sir Scott Dixon – A Knight of the Racetrack
In a moment that surprised absolutely no one who follows motorsport, Scott Dixon has been awarded a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to motorsport. But let’s be honest – calling Dixon merely successful is like calling Mount Cook a decent-sized hill.
The Auckland-born driver has become synonymous with dominance in IndyCar, often described as America’s answer to Formula 1. His statistics read like a video game cheat code: 59 race victories and six IndyCar Series championships. To put that in perspective, he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in IndyCar history – not just good, not just great, but genuinely legendary.
What sets Sir Scott apart, however, isn’t just his ability to navigate oval tracks at eye-watering speeds or his surgical precision on road courses. It’s his impact off the track that truly cements his legacy. He’s become a hero and inspiration to generations of young fans, proving that Kiwis can compete – and dominate – on the world stage.
His philanthropic efforts tell another story entirely. Through tireless fundraising for children’s charities including CanTeen and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dixon has demonstrated that championship trophies aren’t the only measure of success. His knighthood recognises Scott as a true ambassador for New Zealand.
Tony Quinn – The Visionary Building Tomorrow’s Champions
While Dixon conquered tracks overseas, Tony Quinn has been quietly revolutionising motorsport at home. The Cromwell-based businessman has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to motorsport and the community – and if you’ve watched any Kiwi motorsport in the past decade, you’ve seen his influence.
Quinn’s empire includes three motor racing circuits in New Zealand, and he’s the driving force behind the NextGen NZ Championship, a series that’s become a crucial stepping stone for aspiring racers. But ownership is just the beginning. Through the Tony Quinn Foundation, he’s invested heavily in emerging talent, creating pathways that simply didn’t exist before.
Perhaps his most impactful contribution extends beyond motorsport entirely. The StreetSmart road safety programme, which Quinn continues to fund, delivers life-saving education to young drivers across the country. It’s a perfect example of how motorsport expertise can translate into real-world safety benefits – teaching young Kiwis that the racetrack and public roads are two very different beasts.
His ongoing investment has had a lasting and transformative impact on New Zealand motorsport, creating a sustainable ecosystem where talent can flourish.
Brian Davies – The Backbone of the Sport
While drivers grab headlines and circuit owners build infrastructure, there’s an army of officials who make motorsport actually happen. Brian Rex Davies, of Palmerston North, represents the very best of them, receiving an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to motorsport.
With more than 50 years as a Clerk of the Course at the highest levels of the sport, Davies has seen it all. In 2023, he received the Clerk of the Course D’Honneur from MotorSport New Zealand, recognising his exceptional service.
What makes Davies extraordinary isn’t just longevity – it’s his deep understanding of the sport’s rules, his calm authority, and his ability to respond decisively when things go sideways. These qualities have made him instrumental in delivering safe and successful events both in New Zealand and internationally.
His CV reads like a greatest hits of Kiwi motorsport. He played a crucial role in the legendary Wellington Street Races of the 1980s and 1990s. His expertise even caught international attention, leading to his appointment as FIA representative for a World Land Speed Record attempt in 1995.
A Sport United in Excellence
MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day perfectly captured the significance of these honours: “These honours recognise three very different, but equally powerful contributions to motorsport”.
She’s right. Sir Scott Dixon represents international success and inspiration. Tony Quinn’s vision has shaped opportunities for countless competitors. Brian Davies exemplifies the dedication of officials who form the sport’s backbone.
As we celebrate these three legends, we’re reminded that motorsport success comes in many forms – from the driver’s seat to the boardroom to the control tower. Congratulations to all three on their well-deserved recognition.
Here’s that time we interviewed (Sir) Scott
