Possum inspires Gilmour's rally triumph

New Zealand's best woman rally driver, Emma Gilmour, says she is delighted and honoured to win the country's top rallying award.

The Rally Founders Trophy is awarded each year to the driver who not only performs with distinction but who demonstrates a sportsmanlike attitude and is a worthy ambassador for rallying.

Motorsport New Zealand president Steven Kennedy described Gilmour as an "outstanding young driver who competes tenaciously and fearlessly in a predominantly male sport".

Gilmour, with reigning national rally champion Richard Mason and Kiwi two-wheel-drive champion Dave Strong, was one of three finalists.

"I feel really hugely honoured, especially to win the trophy so early in my driving career," she said.

"Among the past winners are many of the great names of Kiwi rallying, including Possum Bourne, who won it four times in his life.

"Possum is someone we all look up to, and to have my name on the same trophy makes me feel quite humble."

Gilmour, now third in the national rally championship, is preparing for the Rotorua International Rally at the end of the month.