Kiwi Formula 1 driver Brendon Hartley has been honoured where it all began - in his hometown in Palmerston North.
The Toro Rosso driver has unveiled Brendon Hartley Dr, the road that leads into the famous Manfeild race circuit, which is located in Fielding
What makes it even more special for Hartley is the fact the race track is known as Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon - named after a former Formula 1 driver and Hartley's mentor.
It capped off a memorable year for the 28-year-old, who starred on the motorsport scene, winning the famous Le Mans 24-hour race, winning the World Endurance Championship with Porsche and making his F1 debut in late October.
"I've just been to unveil a street sign called 'Brendon Harley Dr', and it was not something that I expecting," Hartley told RadioLIVE.
"Even though I'm 28 now and I'm getting on in the big scheme of things of motorsport, I still like to think I have a few years ahead of me and I've still got some ambitious target I would like to meet. A big honour - it is where it all started.
"Yesterday I was at the go-kart track in Palmerton North where I did literally have my first race, and then today here at Manfeild where my earliest memories were here watching my father race and where I took my first race in single-seaters."
Manfeild chief executive Julie Keane says the circuit administration is delighted to formally acknowledge a local hero.
"We recognise Brendon not simply for his amazing victories and those fantastic world championships but also for his sheer determination to succeed against, at times, some huge odds.
"Brendon is now entering a new phase of an exciting career and we have every confidence more success is coming his way.
"New Zealand motorsport is a great breeding ground for world-class talent there are future Chris Amons and Brendon Hartleys out there and they are very likely developing their skills on our track."
Hartley's set to get married to his long-time partner, Sarah, in the coming weeks. He will return to Europe in January to begin preparations for the new Formula 1 season with Toro Rosso.
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