Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame inductee John Pizarro has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours.

The 2017 inductee was further recognised for his significant contribution to motor sport over many years.

The karting icon has been a key part of the sport for decades, having competed in six World Karting Championships.

Pizarro’s contributions extended beyond competing, playing a key role with CAMS affiliate Karting Australia as a track inspector, as well as working hard behind the scenes to ensure the continued success of the sport.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca congratulated Pizarro for being named on the Australia Day honours list.

“John is a very worthy recipient of this significant honour,” Arocca said.

“On behalf of everyone at CAMS, we congratulate John on yet another deserving accolade, following a very impressive career in karting.”

Pizarro himself said he was proud, albeit surprised to be awarded an OAM.

“I’m amazed...It was the last thing on my mind,” the 73-year-old told his local paper, the Parkes Champion Post.

“My wife Marilyn told me ‘there’s an email here you should probably read’ – not that I think I’m deserving, there’s a lot of people who have done a lot more than me.

“I’m proud and humble.”