Drivers salute Sir Colin

The late Sir Colin Giltrap was honoured at the weekend’s ITM Taupo Super400 following the recent passing of the motorsport benefactor.

Giltrap, who played a crucial role in the careers of several young up-and-coming Kiwis, died in April aged 84.

The businessman supported many of the country’s household motorsport names including Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, Mitch Evans, Liam Lawson, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber.

Current Supercars drivers Matt Payne, Andre Heimgartner and Ryan Wood compete under the Giltrap motorsport banner and carry the company’s branding on their helmets.

In the wake of Giltrap’s passing, both Penrite Racing Fords carried tribute stickers at Taupo, with Payne and Richie Stanaway two of five Kiwis on the Supercars grid.

Giltrap’s passion was motorsport, having raced a Volvo with Jimmy Palmer in the 1963 Wills Six-Hour endurance race at Pukekohe. He also raced the same vehicle in the Sandown 500 with Ivan Segedin.

His philanthropic influence was also felt off-track by helping support the fledging careers of drivers who have since gone on to major success on the world stage.

Instrumental in sport

Kiwi Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard has led online tributes and posted to Facebook he was saddened to hear of Giltrap’s passing.

“He’s done so much for motorsport not only in New Zealand but globally too, such a huge loss,” adds Coulthard.

“Rest Well Sir,” writes Chris van der Drift, former Carrera Cup Asia champion.

KartSport NZ, the organisation where many of the young drivers who Giltrap supported would have started their careers, has posted about his influence.

“Sir Colin has been at the forefront of not just the motor industry, but also one of the most influential and important supporters of a manner of sports and Kiwi athletes,” it says.

“The nation will forever be indebted to his quiet but substantial encouragement and assistance, which he delivered with so much humility to KartSport.”

Emirates Team New Zealand says Giltrap was instrumental in helping and supporting so many sailors, and sailing and sports teams, over the years.

“We acknowledge his unwavering support of Emirates Team New Zealand and join the wider business and sporting fraternity in passing our respect and condolences to his family.

Supercars legend Greg Murphy says Giltrap’s passing was a “huge talking point in the paddock” at Taupo Motorsport Park for the Supercars Championship round held on April 20-21. “Motorsport in this country would not be what it is without him.”

Murphy adds: “He loved being a part of [motorsport] and he had a great eye for talent. Those drivers who he has backed wear the Giltrap Group logo proudly.”

The Giltrap name was on the grid with grandson Marco driving in the Australian Carrera Cup Championship.

Help driving careers

Mitch Evans is one Kiwi racer who has benefited from Sir Colin Giltrap’s involvement in motorsport.

Evans burst onto the scene in 2010, winning the Toyota Racing Series before graduating to bigger series in Europe.

After being crowned GP3 champion, Evans faced a $3 million bill to move up into GP2, a step below Formula One.

In 2012, Evans and Giltrap spoke to Newshub about the importance of securing funding to be able to keep racing. The had already been backing Evans and was committed to helping him further. 

“The wind is blowing the right way, I think we'll get there,” said Giltrap. “There’s no doubt Mitch… can get the pick of the drive because he’s so good.”

Evan said: “It comes down to who’s got the best package and who can deliver the best deal.” Giltrap then interrupted and said “price” before they both laughed.

Evans went on to finish second in the GP2 Championship before moving onto what was then the fledgling Formula E series. 

Family pay tribute

An obituary to Giltrap on legacy.com describes him as having been a “cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother”.

He “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, leaving a void filled with fond memories and enduring love”. 

The tribute continues: “As a family man and a great figure in the automotive world, his life was characterised by a deep commitment to his industry and community. His philanthropic spirit and determination brought about significant change and touched countless lives. 

“His legacy of wisdom, compassion and leadership will forever inspire those he leaves behind – his devoted wife Lady Jennifer, his children Richard and Sarah, Michael and Nicola, his grandchildren Sophie, Marco, and Harriette and his sister Ngaira. 

“We are deeply grateful for our time with him and will honour his memory by continuing his work. 

“The Giltrap family thank those who have expressed their condolences and send heartfelt gratitude to the staff of ward 51 at Auckland Hospital for the care given to Colin.”

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland on May 1 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites people to make donations to Auckland City Mission. The service may be viewed online at https://vimeo.com/event/4240752/308bbfe328