Whanganui performance engine builder Grant Rivers doesn't normally do surprise, but he was openly chuffed when he attended prizegiving at the annual New Zealand Drag Racing Association awards in Wellington.
Rivers and son Adrian arrived knowing they were up for honours when they won the season's Competition class in their home-built dragster tagged Blues Brothers.
However, what Rivers senior did not know, was the recognition he would receive for being a household name in the game for many of the 35 years he has been involved.
Rivers was made a Life Member of NZDA and that was a fair call - Rivers is truly a legend among muscle car, drag racing and performance engine circles.
"It (the Life Membership) was a hell of a surprise and a pretty emotional experience," Rivers said.