Wilson wins achievement award

Jaguar Racing's Justin Wilson received the 'Achievement in Sport' award at the 11th Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards last night (6 November), held in the Banqueting Suite at the home of Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road.

Wilson's award comes in recognition of his achievements in motorsport, graduating to Formula One in 2003 with Minardi before signing to Jaguar Racing for the final five Grand Prix of the year, scoring his first World Championship point with his first race finish for the team at the U.S. Grand Prix.

The Sheffield-born 25-year-old F1 star mixed with a variety of Yorkshire's finest last night including members of Leeds United Football Club, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the stars of the county's famous soap-opera, Emmerdale.

Making the night a family occasion, with his parents as guests, Justin was delighted to receive his award before a packed audience: "I'm very honoured to win the Achievement in Sport award. I was extremely proud to be nominated and I'm grateful to everyone who voted for me!"

"The ceremony was thoroughly enjoyable, Yorkshire was well represented and through the raffle and auction I think the NCH can deem the night to be a great success."

The money raised at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards helps the children's charity NCH and supports its work in the region with vulnerable children, young people and their families. Nominations for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards were open to people under-35 who live, work or were born in Yorkshire. In addition to the 'Achievement in Sport' award, which Justin won, other categories celebrated and recognised talent in the Arts, Education, IT and Management and Enterprise.

With one award under his belt, Justin has also been named as one of the seven finalists for the Autosport.com Rookie of the Year Award. The nominees represent Formula One, CART, IRL and the ETCC.

-www.justinwilson.co.uk-