Klimenko humbled to receive OAM

Erebus Motorsport owner Betty Klimenko was humbled to receive her Order of Australia recognition.

Klimenko and fellow Supercars team owner Ryan Story earned recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Klimenko and Story are leading figures at Dick Johnson Racing and Erebus respectively.

Both were made Members of the Order of Australia for significant service to motorsport.

Klimenko was also recognised for her contribution to charitable organisations, and Story for his contribution to the community.

Story is an ambassador to Camp Quality and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Klimenko is also a key figure in her Saunders Family charitable programme, which is in her late father’s name.

Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki lead Erebus's charge

Klimenko received her medal in a special ceremony on Thursday alongside husband Daniel.

She then raced to Mount Panorama to watch her team go to work.

“I was very humbled by it,” she said of the OAM.

“My team were the people who nominated me.

“I must admit, I shed a little bit of a tear, because I sat in those seats and watched my father receive it.

“He’s been gone for 25 years, but that pride came up.”

Klimenko’s late father, John Saunders AO, co-founded Westfield Development Corporation.

“The fact I’m a woman and representing motorsport… I was dumbfounded,” he said.

“I actually curtsied, I didn’t think I’d do it.

“Everyone there really deserved it.”