BRDC ANNUAL AWARDS 2011

The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) celebrated motor racing achievements of 2011 yesterday (Monday 05 December), at the star-studded BRDC Annual Awards. The ceremony, hosted by BBC Formula 1 presenter Jake Humphrey, was attended by motor racing’s finest, including World Champions.

Other greats of British motor sport included Sir Stirling Moss OBE, BRDC President Derek Warwick, Martin Brundle, David Brabham, Dario Franchitti, Paul Di Resta and Rob Huff.

Rob Huff was awarded the BRDC’s premier annual award, the prestigious BRDC Gold Star, after a sensational season in the World Touring Car Championship. The Chevrolet driver finished second in this year’s championship just three points behind team-mate Yvan Muller, despite winning both races at the demanding Macau season finale. And a good year for Touring Cars was made even better when BRDC Director Jason Plato received the Club’s highest accolade for national racing, the BRDC Silver Star.

Damon Hill’s exceptional contribution to the BRDC and motor racing as a sport was also recognised at the awards luncheon. Having steered the Club through one of its most successful periods in recent history, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion and former BRDC President was presented with a BRDC Gold Medal by his successor, Derek Warwick. During his time as President the Club secured the long term future of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, agreeing a 17-year deal with Formula One Management, and oversaw major developments to both the circuit and venue, including significant revisions to the Grand Prix Circuit layout in 2010 and the opening of the spectacular Silverstone Wing in 2011.

British achievements in Formula 1 were also recognised, with drivers Jenson Button MBE and Paul Di Resta being awarded the John Cobb and Fairfield trophies respectively. While Red Bull Racing’s domination of the 2011 Formula 1 season was further celebrated as Christian Horner was presented with the Colin Chapman Trophy and Adrian Newey collected the Sir Jackie Stewart Award for the third year running.

The outstanding successes of Dario Franchitti, who secured his fourth IndyCar Championship in 2011, were acknowledged with the Scot receiving the Graham Hill Trophy.

However, the euphoric highs and devastating lows of motor sport were epitomised by the most poignant award of the afternoon. The Earl Howe Trophy is annually awarded to the highest placed British driver in the Indy 500. In 2011, that was the highly respected and much loved Dan Wheldon, who was tragically killed during the final round of this year’s IndyCar World Championship in Las Vegas. Dan, a former two-time BRDC Gold Star winner, captured the ultimate IndyCar prize in May when he won the celebrated Indy 500 for the second time in an accomplished career. Following an emotional tribute, Dario Franchitti presented the Trophy to Jo Wheldon, Dan’s sister-in-law.

John Surtees’ presentation of the Henry Surtees Award, to Formula Ford driver Scott Malvern, was another emotional moment. The Award, recognising the most outstanding performance by a BRDC Rising Star, was introduced in 2009 after John’s 18-year-old son Henry was killed in a freak accident during an FIA Formula Two race. It was the first time John had attended the BRDC Awards since the accolade, honouring Henry, was introduced.

2011 BRDC ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

BRDC GOLD STAR - ROB HUFF
First presented in 1929. The BRDC Gold Star is the Club’s premier annual award. It recognises the strongest performance of the year by a Member in International motor sport. Points are awarded according to a set formula.

BRDC SILVER STAR - JASON PLATO 
The domestic equivalent of the BRDC Gold Star.

BRDC GOLD MEDAL - DAMON HILL OBE 
The BRDC’s highest recognition of achievement in, and contribution to, the Club and the sport of motor racing.

THE BRUCE McLAREN TROPHY - ROBERT WICKENS 
Awarded to the Commonwealth driver who has established the most meritorious performances in international motor racing.

THE CHRIS BRISTOW TROPHY - OLIVER ROWLAND 
Awarded to the winner of the BRDC McLaren AUTOSPORT Young Driver of the Year Award.

THE COLIN CHAPMAN TROPHY - CHRISTIAN HORNER
A BRDC Special Award presented to an individual who has shown great team spirit, be it a driver, team owner, engineer or similar.

THE EARL HOWE TROPHY - DAN WHELDON 
Awarded to the highest placed British driver in the Indy 500 race, or to the British driver who has established the most meritorious performance of the year in North America.

THE ERA CLUB TROPHY - GUY SMITH 
Awarded to the British driver who, driving a British car, established the most meritorious performance of the year outside the UK.

THE FAIRFIELD TROPHY - PAUL DI RESTA 
Awarded for an outstanding performance by a BRDC Member.

THE GRAHAM HILL TROPHY - DARIO FRANCHITTI 
Awarded to the British driver for the most meritorious performance in single-seater racing.

THE INNES IRELAND TROPHY - MIKE CONWAY 
Awarded to the driver who best displayed the qualities of courage and sportsmanship epitomized by the late Innes Ireland.

THE JOHN COBB TROPHY - JENSON BUTTON MBE 
Awarded to a British driver, driving a British car, who has achieved success or successes of outstanding character.

THE JOHNNY WAKEFIELD TROPHY - FERNANDO ALONSO 
Awarded to the driver setting the fastest race lap of the season on the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.

THE NIGEL MOORES TROPHY - GREAVES MOTORSPORT 
Awarded to the private entrant who has established the most meritorious performance(s) in international motor racing.

THE RICHARD SEAMAN TROPHY - ROB HUFF 
Awarded to the winner of the Gold Star points scoring system.

THE SILVERSTONE-LE MANS CHALLENGE - MARCEL FÄSSLER, SÉBASTIEN BOURDAIS & SIMON PAGENAUD 
Awarded to the driver(s) who achieved the highest combined finishing record in combined results of the Silverstone LMS race and the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.

THE SIR JACKIE STEWART AWARD - ADRIAN NEWEY 
Awarded to a motor sport engineer who has shown brilliance during the course of the season.

THE SPENCER-CHARRINGTON TROPHY - WILLIAM BULLER
Awarded to the highest-placed British driver in the British F3 Championship.

THE WOOLF BARNATO TROPHY - TOM KIMBER-SMITH 
Awarded to the highest-placed finishing British and/or Commonwealth Driver, in a British car, in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.

THE ACO AWARD - ANTHONY DAVIDSON 
Presented on behalf of our friends at the ACO, the award is presented to the highest-placed British driver finishing the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.

THE HENRY SURTEES AWARD - SCOTT MALVERN 
Awarded annually for the most outstanding performance by a Rising Star.