Irish scoop honours at BRC Awards
Posted: November 4, 2009 2:13 PM
This Saturday’s MSA British Rally Championship awards night was dominated by the Island of Ireland, topped of course by the crowning of the 2009 Champions, Keith Cronin and Greg Shinnors.
The young County Cork driver and his experienced co-driver took top billing at the formal ceremony near Warrington and the pair’s presentation of the overall trophy and Privateers Cup was greeted by a standing ovation by the 220 attendees.
BRC OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD
In addition to the overall, class and BRC Challenge awards, Northern Irish youngster Alastair Fisher won the BRC’s Outstanding Performance Award, Championship manager Mark Taylor explaining the reason for the popular choice.
“Alastair competed for the first time in a four wheel drive this year and is one of only two drivers to start and finish every event. To take third place in such a competitive year and finish on the podium twice, without a mark on the car shows true talent and potential.”
INTERNATIONAL RALLY DRIVERS CLUB MOST IMPROVED AWARD
Living just over an hour away in Carryduff, Jonny Greer was delighted to add his name to the Northern Irish success, as he took not only the International Rally Drivers’ Club Most Improved trophy, but a cheque for £500, presented by former World Rally Champion Nicky Grist, who also hosted the IRDC table at the black tie awards ceremony.
BRC RALLY OF THE YEAR AWARD
It was not just drivers and co-drivers from across the Irish Sea who took to the stage either. The Toddsleap.com Ulster International Rally, which had moved its base and stages from 2008, proved popular with organisers and competitors alike, scooping the British Rally Championship Rally of the Year award.
GREENLIGHT TELEVISION AWARD
There was room for some other countries though, Australia’s Molly Taylor visiting the stage three times and taking the Greenlight Television Award. Director Richard Nichols made the presentation for a great first season which so nearly saw the British Ladies Rally Champion take the Swift Sport Cup too.
The awards drew to a close at around eleven, but the hotel bar was reportedly still busy at past 6am; no prizes for guessing which country was best represented….
Photos
Posted: November 2, 2009 4:49 PM
New date & venue for British Rally Championship Awards Ceremony, The BRC Bash
Posted: June 26, 2009 2:54 PM
The MSA British Rally Championship awards ceremony, The BRC Bash, will take place at a new location and on a new date in 2009.
The Championship having previously run until December, coinciding the date of the awards with the Autosport International Show worked well, but with a season that ends on the 26th September, a three month delay seemed unreasonable.
The new date has therefore been set on Saturday 31st October and with the need to be near the NEC removed, the venue will be the recently refurbished Park Royal Hotel near Warrington.
But don't worry; the successful format remains unchanged, with a black tie dinner interspersed with awards and the fantastic Greenlight TV footage from the season. Wine and coffee are included in the ticket price with an after dinner disco until midnight and late bar until 1am, after which residents can take advantage of the hotel bar until breakfast.
The new venue’s excellent health and leisure facilities and continuation of the Saturday night format, means early arrival is essential. Take a while to unwind in the sauna or pool before reception drinks at 6.30pm, celebration of the BRC’s 51st year starting at 7.15pm prompt. Early arrivals will also have an opportunity for a bit of friendly competition too, details of the event announced nearer the time.
The overall MSA British Rally Championship awards will act as the finale to the evening, but the ceremony will play host to the Swift Sport Cup, Citroën Racing Trophy and Fiesta SportTrophy awards, as well as the BRC’s support series, the BRC Challenge
Tickets and more Details