Thank You Sir Colin

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand was saddened today to hear of the passing of one of the most influential icons in the history of motorsport in this country.

Sir Colin Giltrap leaves behind a massive legacy that will have – directly or indirectly - benefitted most involved in the sport over the past few decades.

Whether it was spectating or competing at the Taupo Motorsport Park, the development of which he almost single handedly championed to secure the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport for three years or his quiet but vital support for up and coming drivers, engineers and others involved in motorsport projects, the bare fact is that his contributions to the sport in New Zealand were invariably positive ones.

Sir Colin supported most of New Zealand's household motorsport names including Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Shane van Gisbergen and Mitch Evans as well as a host of other racers who were given the opportunity to shine on the domestic and world stage thanks only to his support.

At TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand we also only had positive experiences with Sir Colin and the Giltrap Group and we were always honoured when he would support a driver who had risen through the Toyota 86 or Castrol Toyota Racing Series ranks looking to establish themselves overseas.

It’s a sad day for motorsport in New Zealand but one on which we should celebrate and remember the fantastic passion Sir Colin had for the sport.

Our hearts go out to the Giltrap family, the entire team working within the extensive Giltrap automotive empire and all of his many friends and associates in motorsport and the wider automotive industry.

To a true titan of the sport in New Zealand, Rest in Peace Sir Colin.