Words: Richard Edwards
Published 31 December 2025
It’s official: New Zealand’s greatest racing driver is now a Knight, and the man who saved our race tracks has been honoured to match.
Sir Scott Dixon leads the 2026 New Year Honours list, receiving the Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM). The six-time IndyCar champion is recognised for his services to motorsport, cementing his status as an icon of New Zealand sport.
Dixon has just been in New Zealand for the opening of the new Sir Colin Giltrap Raceway, is son Kit being the first to lap the circuit.
Joining him is Tony Quinn, who has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). Quinn is the force behind Hampton Downs, Highlands, and Taupō, investing millions to create world-class facilities for Kiwi enthusiasts.
Quinn was typically colourful in his reaction, noting that Highlands in Cromwell holds a special place in his heart, so much so that he plans to stay there permanently.
“When I pop my clogs and pass on to the great race track in the sky, my wish is for my ashes to be scattered around Highlands. That’s how much the place means to me,” Quinn says.
“In the future, when people ask ‘who the hell built this place’ they’ll be able to tell the story of a crazy Scotsman who created a little slice of heaven in Cromwell, Central Otago.”
Also recognised is Brian Davies, appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to motorsport, acknowledging his years of work behind the scenes to keep the sport running.
