Industry recognition for Richards

The motorsport industry's most prestigious personal award goes to founder of Prodrive, Chairman of ISC and Principal of BAR, David Richards.

On July 1 David Richards was honoured for his work across the spectrum of motorsport. In a ceremony at the House of Lords, Richards received the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA)* award for 'The Most Outstanding Contribution To The UK Motorsport Industry'. Previous recipients have included: Bernie Ecclestone, Harvey Postlethwaite, Dr Adrian Reynard, Sir Jackie Stewart and Ken Tyrrell.

Following accountancy studies, Richards became a professional rally co-driver, topping victories with Ari Vatanen in the British and Scandinavian Championships, by winning the World Rally Championship in 1981.

In 1984, he created Prodrive, the renowned motorsport and automotive technology business that now boasts a global turnover in excess of £100 million and over 1,000 employees. To date, its motorsport division has secured three World Rally Manufacturers' titles, two World Rally Drivers' titles and five British Touring Car Championships.

In 1998, David Richards complemented his position as Chairman of Prodrive with that of Chief Executive of the Benetton Formula One team. In April 2000, he purchased International Sportsworld

Communicators (ISC), thereby acquiring the TV and commercial rights to the FIA World Rally Championship, and has subsequently created a team focused on transforming the Championship into a mainstream entertainment package.

Last December, in addition to his Prodrive and ISC roles, he returned to F1 as Team Principal of British American Racing (BAR). Richards received the MIA award from John Surtees MBE (the only man ever to be world champion on both two and four wheels) in front of more than 300 distinguished guests.

The attendees at the event, which was supported by Octagon Motorsports and ISC, included MPs and Peers of the Realm. Among the many motorsport personalities were: Max Mosley (FIA), Sir Stirling Moss OBE, Murray Walker OBE and Sir Frank Williams.

In his acceptance speech, Richards paid tribute to all those who had supported him over the years - in particular his outstanding employees at Prodrive and ISC. He thanked all the MIA members from the UK motorsport industry who had bestowed the award upon him.

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