Ken Smith (racing driver)

Ken Smith
MBE
NationalityNew Zealander
Full nameKenneth James Smith
Born (1941-08-11) 11 August 1941 (age 83)

Kenneth James Smith MBE (born 11 August 1941) is a New Zealand motor racing driver, who won the New Zealand Grand Prix in 1976, 1990, and 2004.[1][2]

Smith first competed in motor racing in 1958, winning the New Zealand Hill Climb championship when he was 16. He progressed to single seater racing in 1962, first driving a Lola March T, Formula Junior car. Later he raced in Formula Ford, Formula 5000, Formula Pacific, Formula Mondial, and Toyota Racing Series among others[3][4]

Smith won the Gold Star Drivers Award in the 1975–1976, 1983–1984, 1984–1985, 1986–1987 and 1989–1990 seasons.[5] In 2011 Smith won the Formula 5000 Revival championship for the third time.[6] As well as his victories in New Zealand, Smith also won the Penang Grand Prix three times, the Selangor Grand Prix twice, and the Malaysian Grand Prix once.[7]

In 2021, Smith took part in his 50th New Zealand Grand Prix at age 79, during his 63rd consecutive season of racing.[8][9]

  1. ^ "Ken Smith Still Has Winning Formula". Stuff.co.nz. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  2. ^ "New Zealand Grand Prix". Toyota Racing Series. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  3. ^ "Ken Smith". Speedcafe.com. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  4. ^ "Toyota Racing Series". Toyota Racing Series. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  5. ^ "Gold Star Race Champions - Single Seater". Motorsport New Zealand. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  6. ^ "Smith Secures Third Consecutive Formula 5000 Revival Crown". Motorsport New Zealand. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  7. ^ "Titles". Ken Smith. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  8. ^ "Tributes paid to Smith ahead of 50th NZGP start".
  9. ^ Bartholomaeus, Stefan (14 January 2021). "KEN SMITH SET FOR 50TH NZ GP START". Retrieved 18 December 2023.