Kim Adams, long standing secretary of the Ashburton Car Club, has been named 2024 MotorSport New Zealand volunteer of the year at last weekend’s national awards in Christchurch.
It was a surprise award for Adams, who is used to working behind the scenes and was unaware she was nominated.
‘‘I was totally blown away by it,’’ Adams said.
‘‘It was the worst moment and probably the best moment of my life,’’ she said to The Ashburton Courier this week.
‘‘Bear in mind, there were about 500 people in the room, in their glad rags at the black tie event. We were at the back of the room and I had to get up and walk in front of everyone and speak.’’
Adams was presented the award from MotorSport New Zealand board member Mark Mallard.
She was at the awards with a contingent from the Ashburton Car Club including president Wayne Muckle, James Storey, Greg Cross and their partners, Malcolm and Cindy Lovett, and patron Keith Pickford.
‘‘I was very polite with my short shaky speech,’’ she said, in which she thanked the car club members for being very good at keeping a secret.
Adams has been a member of the car club for 33 years and her award comes hot off the wheels of the club’s four successful Wheels Week Plus events run in Mid Canterbury, including the annual Ashburton Street Sprints.
She was nominated for the award by Muckle.
Adams’ daughter Kaitlyn wrote the citation which acknowledged Adams’ commitment and dedication to motorsport. It continues this weekend.
‘‘This weekend is Canterbury Rally (at Ashley Forest) so we have volunteered to (help out with) stages two and eight,’’ Adams said.
‘‘It will be nine weeks on the trot doing events.’’
Adams first joined the car club as a junior member. She had since taken on key roles including as club secretary, bulletin editor, clerk of the course and most recently as a member of the Volunteer Officials Advisory Commission.
Adams’ award citation, read by awards emcee Roger Farrelly of The Rock fame , praised her ‘‘profound commitment to motorsport and her unwavering dedication’’ as the perfect example for the MotorSport New Zealand Volunteer of the Year Award.
‘‘A stalwart member of the Ashburton Car Club for over three decades, Kim’s journey began in 1991 as a junior member. Her passion drove her to take on pivotal roles including the bulletin editor for 15 years and club secretary since 2012.
‘‘Kim’s administrative acumen shone brightly as she managed the club’s annual street sprint and later as the secretary of the Waimate 50 events, where she was instrumental in coordinating safety plans and regulations.
‘‘Her time has also been spent across the South Canterbury and Westland car clubs, where she contributed in a range of volunteer roles to ensure their events have been a success.
‘‘In 2021, Kim elevated her involvement by becoming a clerk of the course, and competitor relations officer, roles she performs with distinction at events across all levels and regions.
‘‘Recently, she has been a proactive member of the Volunteer Officials Advisory Commission and is exploring further volunteer opportunities as a scrutineer.
‘‘Kim’s resilience and ability to inspire youth in motorsport as a mentor reflect her exceptional character.
‘‘Her extensive volunteering portfolio, even in the face of personal challenges, showcases her as not only a contributor but as a cornerstone of the motorsport community.
‘‘Kim Adams truly embodies the essence of dedication, making her a deserving recipient of this accolade.’’
