WEC Achievements Recognised by BRDC
The famous British Racing Drivers' Club honoured several prominent WEC people this week......
Several prominent familiar faces from the WEC paddock were given special honours at the 2022 British Racing Drivers' Club awards held in London earlier this week.
ACO president Pierre Fillon attended the glittering event organised by one of world motorsports most distinguished clubs.
Fillon was made a rare honorary member of the BRDC for his work in global sportscar racing and was delighted with the award, saying: “It means a lot to receive this membership. We have worked hard to succeed with the Hypercar category over the last few years and it is something very special to be offered this membership to such a famous club as the BRDC.”
Taking the Nigel Moores Trophy for the most meritorious performance in international motor racing by a private entrant was Jota, who sealed a famous Le Mans and WEC title double in 2022.
Team co-owner and founder Sam Hignett was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the Kent based team.
They scooped another Le Mans LMP2 win in June with Roberto Gonzalez, Will Stevens and Antonio Felix da Costa to add to the ones achieved in 2014 and 2017.
On the driver’s side it was David Pittard, Mike Conway and Brendon Hartley who were celebrated for their fine 2022 racing achievements.
The Woolf Barnato Trophy was handed to David Pittard, who almost missed the event due to travel complications!
But the Northwest AMR driver ace was able to dash to the stage to thank the club for the trophy that is named after the legendary Bentley driver and given for the highest-placed British and/or Commonwealth driver, in a British car, in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, classified as a finisher.
The BRDC Special Gold Star went to Brendon Hartley for his success achieved with Toyota, while the ACO Plate went to his stablemate, Mike Conway, who was unable to make the occasion as he was away testing. His trophy is given on behalf of the Automobile Club De L’Ouest to the highest placed British driver at the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
The Richard Seaman Trophy, for the highest-placed BRDC Member in the BRDC Gold Star points competition outside of Formula One went to Oliver Jarvis for his exploits in IMSA this year. Jarvis also raced for the United Autosports USA team, winning the LMP2 category at the WEC Sebring 1000 Miles last March.
Images with thanks to Jakob Ebrey Photography