The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening didn’t just see the champions of 2022 celebrated on Saturday, as a number of other special accolades were handed out to unsuspecting winners on what proved to be a momentous night. 

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was Steve McDermid who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC.

Defending his Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title in supreme style – where he scooped 13 wins along the way – McDermid was chosen to be a worthy recipient for the glittering crown.

“I’m pretty speechless,” said McDermid. “It’s a real honour to be able to receive this award and share the stage with some many great champions. Last year was very competitive in the MGOC but things came together for me and that ultimately is what contributed to not only winning the title again but also picking up this special accolade.”

Jon Winter’s contribution to the continued growth and success of the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made him a worthy recipient of the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy of motorsport that Gerry once had.

“This one really does mean a lot,” Winter enthused. “Gerry was a real friend of the family and as I was growing up around motorsport, he was a constant presence so this award has real poignance for me and is really nice to receive. 

“I’m honoured to have been joined by my 85-year-old father tonight and nothing is going to make me happier than sitting this award on his mantelpiece at home for the next 12 months.”

After a short hiatus, The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to the most successful female in the BARC – was back on stage and being handed to Britcar Managing Director Claire Hedley. 

Having played a critical role in Britcar’s resurgence over several years, Claire had an instrumental part in the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship’s launch, and under her stewardship it went on to enjoy a sensational inaugural season in 2022.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Hedley. “There are some fabulous names on this trophy – many of them remarkable drivers – and to now see mine there is, as a Championship Co-ordinator, is quite something.

“Motorsport is my life but it isn’t just me at Britcar, we have a great team that have all contributed to this as well. We’re growing all the time and I’m sure 2023 will be another fantastic year for us all. I’d like to thank everyone at the BARC that chose me for this award, I really appreciate it.”

Maximus Hall’s remarkable maiden season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event. 

In the ultra-competitive one-make category, Hall produced a stellar campaign to become just the second driver in the series’ history to lift the overall title at the first time of asking – doing so with an impressive ten victories to his name.

Hall beamed: “I’m so happy! It’s a total surprise because there are so many other great competitors that could have won it. When you see the names that are already on this trophy it’s amazing to see that mine is now with them.

“It’s the perfect way to cap off what was an incredible season. We had lots of wins and ultimately was able to bring home the title at the final round.”

Drivers and championship organisers weren’t the only one to be celebrated however as a number of marshals and officials were also recognised for their contributions to what was a successful year for the Club.

Ian Seager picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after conducting the most volunteering days – 33 – over the course of the season with his total being 33. Elsewhere, the BARC Marshal of the Year – which is designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals – went the way of Joshua Mendelsohn.

Seager said: “Thank you to everyone at the BARC for this award. Being able to play a part in the sport is something I cherish and hopefully I’ll be able to continue doing so for some years to come as well.”

“It was a really busy year,” added Mendelsohn. “Being a part of the BTCC start-line team was very special and to now be standing here as the BARC Marshal of the Year is the icing on what was an amazing season for me as a marshal.”

The final award to be handed out on the night was one that hasn’t been awarded in over a decade, the John Martin-Lewis Trophy. Given to outstanding marshals and officials that have gone above and beyond in their roles, this year’s victors were the Club’s North West Rescue Unit team.