Two time IndyCars champion Scott Dixon says his induction last weekend into New Zealand motorsport's Wall of Fame is a huge honour.
Dixon joins an illustrious list that includes the late Bruce McLaren and the late former Formula One champion, Denny Hulme.
"I'm still pretty young at 28 and to
be alongside a lot of the greats that have come from there (New Zealand) is pretty special," Dixon said from the United States.
"I'm kind of overwhelmed between getting this honour and winning the (New Zealand) Sportsman of the Year award," he added.
Dixon achieved the Indy 500 and IndyCars double last year. He won his first IndyCars title in his rookie year in 2003.
"They are two of the biggest prizes as far as motor racing and sports in New Zealand. I'm truly humbled."
The Motorsport Wall of Fame was established in 1994 and located in Motorsport House in Wellington.
The 20 others on the wall include Taupo's Chris Amon, the late rally driver Possum Bourne and Morrie Chandler, currently a vice-president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
The last person inducted was Dave McMillan, who runs a racing team in the United States, in 2006.
Dixon, who started racing at 13, won three championships in New Zealand before going to Australia in 1997, where he won the Australian drivers championship before starting his United States career in 1999.
MotorSport NZ president Steven Kennedy said Dixon was a superb example of what could be achieved by talented drivers.
"It is a tough road from New Zealand because drivers have to overcome the challenges of distance and funding.
"But with talent like Scott's and the backing of New Zealanders passionate about the sport, it just goes to show what can be achieved by young drivers from this country."
- NZPA
