McIntyre honoured with Ashley Stichbury trophy

Having just won his third NZV8 championship title, John McIntyre was honoured to be presented with the Ashley Stichbury Memorial Trophy by NZV8 category officials at a prize-giving function on Sunday.

The Nelson driver won the 2010-11 BNT V8s Championship title after three action-packed races on the streets of Hamilton as part of the ITM 400 V8 Supercar event.

Ashley Stichbury was the 2001-02 New Zealand V8 touring car champion and sadly died in May 2002 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The trophy is presented annually to the NZV8 competitor deemed to have displayed both a sportsmanlike attitude to fellow competitors and driving talent – both characteristics of the hugely popular and talented driver.

“Ashley was a great friend of mine, with us both having grown up in Hawke’s Bay,” says McIntyre. “It is a great honour to be presented with Ash’s memorial trophy. It’s a beautiful trophy, featuring the steering wheel of Ash’s championship-winning car and it was emotional and humbling to be recognised in this way.”

At each race meeting, children who have participated in the early morning Grid Kids duathlon then have the opportunity to represent race cars on the pre-start grid. McIntyre says he was delighted to have Stichbury’s son Zac and his brother Charlie hold the John McIntyre signs at the Taupo race meeting in March.

“It was fantastic to have the chance to see Zac and Charlie and involve them for a short time with our team.

“After winning our third championship title at the very last round of the season, being presented with the Ashley Stichbury Memorial Trophy means this season ends on a major high. Again, our thanks to all involved in helping John McIntyre Racing secure its third championship victory.”

John McIntyre Racing appreciates the support of Blackwoods Paykels, Protector Safety, Amcor, Talley's, Castrol Edge, BP Ultimate, NZ Ceiling and Drywall Supplies, Ideal Electrical, Websters Hydrated Lime Co, Squawking Magpie Wines, Dynamic Fluid Systems, EATON, Ford New Zealand, Irwin Tools and Showquip.

More details about McIntyre and his team can be found on www.jmr.co.nz or follow John McIntyre Racing on Facebook.