The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening didn’t just see the title winners of 2024 honoured on Saturday (February 1) as a number of additional special accolades were handed to some hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned F1 Academy champion and ROKiT British F4 Championship competitor Abbi Pulling who claimed The Peter Collins Trophy; which is awarded to the junior driver of the year.

Pulling was one of the standout stars in single-seaters last year as she powered her way to nine wins from 14 races on the Formula 1 support bill, as well as becoming the first-ever female to win a race outright in British F4.

“It’s super special to be recognised for what was a tough but ultimately rewarding year in 2024; there are some great names on this trophy and to now have mine added to the list is a real honour,” said Pulling.

“Winning F1 Academy in the manner we did was amazing and then to have a win and some podiums (I’d have liked a few more if I’m honest) in British F4 was brilliant. My affiliation with the BARC is rather special because after missing out on the Ginetta Junior Scholarship I was in a bit of no man’s land and put a post out on Facebook about whether or not I’d drive again.

“Mark Carter reached out, said I could have a go in his Caterham and it has snowballed from there. I owe everyone that has played a part on this journey I’m on as it might have been over on several occasions.”

One of the biggest raptures of applause deservedly went the way of this year’s BARC Marshal of the Year, Simon Morris. In memory of Dennis Harris and designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals, Morris was a worthy winner after being selected by the Marshals Core Group.

He said: “I’m over the moon to have received this honour. I’m from a motorsport family – my parents got together at club-level rallying – so I’ve been immersed in it since I can remember. I love the sport and I love volunteering; especially what we get out of it.

“I probably do about 60 days a year in total and a majority of them are done at Donington Park, Harewood and Curborough; although I do travel around the country as well. I just absolutely love it and to be recognised by the BARC and my fellow marshals with this award is amazing.”

Chris Davenport and Matt Jennings also represented the volunteering community on stage as they collected The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy and The Peter Harris Trophy for the Trainee Marshal of the Year respectively.

“It’s a real honour to be picking up this wonderful trophy for the second time,” stated Davenport. “I’m extremely lucky that I’ve got such a supportive wife that doesn’t want me under her feet too much so I’m able to attend all of these fantastic events and join some really special people in doing something that I love.

“The marshal community is truly special and this award is for everyone that dedicates themselves to this great sport.”

Jennings added: “I’m absolutely delighted to pick up this award. I’ve been involved in motorsport since I was a little lad and always wanted to get involved in some way.

“Through marshalling I’ve been able to do that and I’m excited to continue my journey; the aim is to hopefully one day work my way up to marshalling at a Formula 1 race.”

The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to to the leading female within the Club in recognition of a successful year went the way of Abbie Eaton, who had just that in 2024 as she made the switch to the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and made history at Silverstone by becoming the first-ever female driver to win a race outright.

She said: “It was lovely to be told that I’d be getting this trophy and now that I have it I’ve spotted some familiar names on it such as Sarah Moore, Alice Powell and a friend of mine Kelly Smith, whose son Harry Smith, is someone I coach – so I’m certainly in good company.

“It was my first year in the Carrera Cup last year so there was a lot to learn but we made progress throughout the season and it all came together at Silverstone in what were really tricky weather conditions.”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Piers Grange, who scooped The President’s Cup after claiming a total of 15 race wins last season and Rob Manger, who lifted The G

“What a way to end what was an amazing 2024 season! Being a part of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club is really quite something and I’ve had the opportunity to race some great cars down the years, with last year being no different,” said Grange.

Manger concluded: “It’s absolutely tremendous – I had absolutely no clue that was coming so it was a massive shock when I realised the person they were describing was me.

“To be sat on a table with some of my old racing pals and then to win this award, it’s a night I’ll remember for some time. Single seaters has always been my passion and while I did ok, I quickly realised that I wouldn’t make it but continued to do club racing.

“A few years ago I bought an F3 car and realised we could make something out it. I went to the BARC to see what they thought and they absolutely got behind what is now the Jochen Rindt Trophy. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.”