The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) celebrated racing achievements of 2007 in some-style on Monday, when the Club hosted their Annual Awards Luncheon at a star-studded event at The Savoy in London.
Over 400 people gathered in The Savoy’s Lancaster Ballroom for an awards ceremony that returned to the capital for the first time in seven years to celebrate the motor racing achievements of 2007. Formula 1™ sensation, Lewis Hamilton, was present to collect not one, but four awards - including his first BRDC Gold Star, presented to him by ten-time BRDC Gold Star winner, Sir Stirling Moss OBE. Lewis also accepted The Colin Chapman Trophy, on behalf of his Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team-boss Ron Dennis, who was unable to attend in person.
On a day when the best in motorsport was celebrated, Lewis received a standing ovation as he entered the Lancaster Ballroom after arriving from a sponsor’s engagement in Oxford Street.
Lewis’ arrival at The Savoy was eagerly anticipated and, once on stage, he spoke openly about his remarkable 2007 debut Grand Prix season, his hopes for next year, and his enthusiasm for being a Member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.
The room was packed with motor racing’s finest with heroes from past and present at every table. British Touring Car Championship runner-up, Jason Plato, was presented with the BRDC’s highest national racing accolade – the BRDC Silver Star, while Indy 500 winner, and IndyCar Series champion, Dario Franchitti was presented with two awards – The Earl Howe Trophy and The Innes Ireland Trophy. For many the highlight of the day was the presentation to three-time FIA World Touring Car champion, Andy Priaulx, with the BRDC Gold Medal. This was only the eighth such award to be handed out by the Club since its inception in 1996. A two-time BRDC Gold Star winner, Priaulx becomes the only active racing driver to be bestowed with the Club’s highest honour.
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