BRDC Annual Awards Luncheon notes

THE PRIME MINISTER, GORDON BROWN, PRESENTS LEWIS HAMILTON WITH AN AWARD AT THE 2008 BRDC ANNUAL AWARDS

The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) celebrated motor racing achievements of 2008 in some-style today (Monday), when it hosted the BRDC Annual Awards Luncheon at a star-studded event at The Cafe Royal in London. The lunchtime ceremony was attended by motor racing's finest, and the Club was deeply honoured to welcome The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, as a distinguished guest to present Lewis Hamilton with one of his awards - the Richard Seaman Trophy.

It was another successful afternoon for the recently crowned Formula 1 World Champion. Hamilton joined fellow British F1 World Champions Nigel Mansell OBE and Damon Hill OBE for a brief photo call, before receiving a standing ovation as he collected no fewer than five awards - including his second and third BRDC Gold Stars, presented to him by ten-time BRDC Gold Star winner, Sir Stirling Moss OBE.

Hamilton's arrival at The Cafe Royal was eagerly anticipated and, once on stage, he spoke openly about his remarkable Championship-winning season, the challenges he faces next year, and his enthusiasm for being a Member of the British Racing Drivers' Club.

On presenting Hamilton with his award The Prime Minister said, "On behalf of the whole of the British people, it is a privilege to be able to present this award to Lewis Hamilton, for his great successes this year and for the years to come, in a great sport that makes us so proud of Britain. Lewis Hamilton is a true world champion."

However, Hamilton wasn't the only driver being celebrated at the prestigious Awards ceremony. Having received his BRDC Gold Stars from Sir Stirling, the McLaren driver then turned the tables on the iconic British driver. On behalf of his fellow BRDC Members, Hamilton bestowed a unique honour on a surprised Moss, inviting him to become the Club's first 'Vice President For Life'. The position, in recognition of his sixty years of membership and all that he has done for the BRDC during that time, was duly accepted by Sir Stirling.

Prior to presenting Sir Stirling with the honour, Hamilton commented, "Not a day has gone by in the last sixty years when you have not worn the Club badge on either your lapel, tie or overalls. You have been the ultimate ambassador and utterly dedicated and loyal to the BRDC and all that it stands for. Our Club wishes you to accept, with immediate effect, the position of the Club's first Vice President For Life."

British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato was also in attendance to receive the BRDC's highest national racing accolade, the BRDC Silver Star. David Coulthard, who recently announced his retirement from Formula 1, was presented with The Earl Howe Trophy for his meritorious podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix.

A further highlight of the day was the presentation of the BRDC Gold Medal to Vodafone McLaren F1 Team Principal Ron Dennis. This was only the ninth such Medal to be presented by the Club since the award's inception in 1996.

2008 BRDC ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

BRDC GOLD STAR - LEWIS HAMILTON

First presented in 1929. The BRDC Gold Star is awarded annually.
Sponsored by Redworth Construction Limited.

BRDC SILVER STAR - JASON PLATO

The national equivalent of the BRDC Gold Star.
Sponsored by DWF.

THE BRUCE McLAREN TROPHY - SCOTT DIXON

Awarded to the Commonwealth Driver who has established the most meritorious performances in international motor racing.
Sponsored by HOK.

THE CHRIS BRISTOW TROPHY - ALEXANDER SIMS

Awarded to the winner of the BRDC McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award.
Sponsored by Young Marmalade.

THE COLIN CHAPMAN TROPHY - Sir FRANK WILLIAMS CBE

A BRDC Special Award presented to an individual who has shown great team spirit, be it a driver, team owner, engineer or similar.
Sponsored by Hethel Engineering Centre.

THE EARL HOWE TROPHY - DAVID COULTHARD

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.
Sponsored by MSC Software.

THE ERA CLUB TROPHY - LEWIS HAMILTON

Awarded to the British Driver, who, driving a British car, established the most meritorious performance of the year outside the UK.
Sponsored by Deutsche UK.

THE FAIRFIELD TROPHY - ROB BELL

Awarded for an outstanding performance by a BRDC Member.
Sponsored by Vitesse Supercar Club.

THE GRAHAM HILL TROPHY - LEWIS HAMILTON

Awarded to the British Driver for the most meritorious performance in single-seater racing.
Sponsored by AC Entertainment & Technology.

THE INNES IRELAND TROPHY - BRADLEY ELLIS

Awarded to the driver who best displayed the qualities of courage and sportsmanship epitomized by the late Innes Ireland.
Sponsored by DMC Business Machine.

THE JOHN COBB TROPHY - LEWIS HAMILTON

Awarded to a British Driver, driving a British car, who has achieved success or successes of outstanding character.
Sponsored by HIFX.

THE JOHN COOPER TROPHY - OLIVER TURVEY

Awarded annually to a competitor within the British F3 Championship who has shown potential to become a future World Champion.
Sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University.

THE JOHNNY WAKEFIELD TROPHY - KIMI RAIKKONEN

Awarded to the driver setting the fastest race lap of the season on the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.
Sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

THE NIGEL MOORES TROPHY - VIRGO MOTORSPORT

Awarded to the private entrant who has established the most meritorious performance(s) in international motor racing.
Sponsored by Trafigura.

THE RICHARD SEAMAN TROPHY - LEWIS HAMILTON

Awarded to the winner of the Gold Star points scoring system.
Sponsored by Redworth Construction Limited.

THE SILVERSTONE-LE MANS CHALLENGE - ALLAN McNISH and DINDO CAPELLO

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.
Sponsored by Girard Perregaux.

THE SIR JACKIE STEWART AWARD - STEVE HALLAM (McLaren)

Awarded to a motorsport engineer who has shown brilliance during the course of the season.

THE SPENCER-CHARRINGTON TROPHY - OLIVER TURVEY

Awarded to the highest-placed British Driver in the British F3 Championship.
Sponsored by FYSHE Limited.

THE WOOLF BARNATO TROPHY - DARREN TURNER and DAVID BRABHAM

Awarded to the highest-placed finishing British and/or Commonwealth Driver, in a British car, in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.
Sponsored by Gulf.

THE ACO AWARD - ALLAN McNISH

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.
Sponsored by Audi.

BRDC GOLD MEDAL - RON DENNIS CBE

Special recognition award.

-credit: brdc