The best of British motorsport was recognised this evening [22 January] at Motorsport UK’s annual Night of Champions held at the Royal Automobile Club, London.

Presented by Steve Rider and Hannah White at the invitation of David Richards CBE, Chair of Motorsport UK, the star-studded guest list included Sir Jackie Stewart, newly appointed FIA Vice-President for Sport, Robert Reid, a who’s who of British champions and a range of special award winners.

Motorsport UK awarded Sir Jackie its Lifetime Achievement Award with motorsport PR and Communications legend Ann Bradshaw, Jonathan Lord and Jimmy McRae similarly honoured for success in their respective fields.

Dennis Carter’s status as one of the sport’s most established and respected officials was recognised with the HRH Prince Michael of Kent Award of Merit. Dr Ian Roberts received the same honour for his ambassadorial role and exceptional contribution whilst representing the UK at all Formula 1 events in his capacity as Rescue Co-Ordinator. Whilst the evening offered an opportunity to reflect on lifetime achievements and those in 2021, the race to protect the future remains at the forefront for the industry, and to that end Extreme E were presented with the Motorsport UK Environmental Sustainability Award.

Motorsport UK recognised the winners of each of the annual Volunteer Awards. Although Charley Webber, Volunteer of the Year, was unable to attend, both the Mewla Rally organising committee and Dukeries Motor Club received accolades as Organising Team and Club of the Year respectively.

Encouraging stars of the future in all facets of the sport remains high on the organisation’s list of priorities. Autosport’s Formula 1 reporter Luke Smith and JEP’s Stephen Fisher were on hand to receive the Young Journalist and Photographer of the Year awards.

Motorsport UK Academy Drivers, Jamie Chadwick and Patrick O’Donovan picked up the Gallagher Team UK Driver of the Year award and Young Driver of the Year respectively.

John Felix and Peter Liddle were both honoured with Motorsport UK Official D’Honneur Licences, with Paul Howarth and Ford Performance both awarded the Sir Malcolm Campbell Memorial Trophy.

The night featured a celebration of last season’s British champions across a wide range of disciplines, including circuit racing, rallying, drag racing, autotests and rallycross, among others.

Ash Sutton, now the youngest-ever three-time British Touring Car Champion, took the opportunity to celebrate his historic success, as did Dick Bennetts of West Surrey Racing after another manufacturer triumph for his BMW squad.

2022 marks the start of a brand-new chapter for the F4 British Championship, and for the reigning champion Matthew Rees as he graduates from the category; but, first, an opportunity to reflect and commemorate his success in his first season out of karting.

Lastly, Sir Lewis Hamilton was awarded the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy as the highest-placed Commonwealth driver in last year’s Formula 1 World Championship. The evening concluded with a celebration of British Formula 3’s rich heritage. Undoubtedly an icon of the UK’s enviable junior single seater infrastructure, the series was re-branded to the GB3 Championship part-way through 2021.