Stars of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship traded their race suits and crash helmets for glad rags and stilettos when award winners and VIP guests gathered for the 2025 Gala Prizegiving at the Drayton Manor Hotel on Saturday night.
It was a night to celebrate and raise a few glasses to Dai Roberts after an emotionally supercharged season.
The impressive table of awards included stunning cut-glass crystal, perpetual BTRDA silverware, special awards, BTRDA Gold Stars and two new overall trophies from Motorsport UK.
The overall championship winning accolades went to Sam Touzel and Max Freeman, who were presented with their winners’ rewards by Jonathan Jackson (Motorsport UK Head of Rallying).
Sam praised the championship as the “best in the UK” and winning the title a “massive achievement”. He also gave a huge shout-out to Max for his “hard work and professionalism” and all the team at PB Engineering (led by Phil and Alex Bradshaw) for their “next-level commitment”.
The Manx National Rally sped away with the ‘Rally of the Year’ award. Voted for by competitors, it’s the third year in a row that this award has gone to the Isle of Man.
The new Dai Roberts Memorial Trophy was presented to the 2025 Protyre Asphalt Junior co-driver champion Tommi Henderson by Craig Parry (OnThePaceNoteUK). Meanwhile, Bryn Jones (W Jones & Son / Station Works Garage Escort Mk2) claimed the Best Newcomer Award.
Richard Scarbrough (Sales Director, Witham Oils) presented the class awards, including the BTRDA Historic Asphalt Cup, Class H-A and the Mini Challenge which all went to Andrew O’Hanlon/Kevin Hogan.
A special nod went to Mark Sims, who received the Tony Davies Award for his incredible 25 years of behind-the-scenes work, including looking after the website and supplying fantastic action pictures to the series.
Adding a touch of celebrity sparkle to the evening were Paul and Charlie Mathewson, the stars of the hit TV series Bangers and Cash! As if starring in a hit show wasn’t enough, they are also keen and successful rally drivers and the award guests were treated to an entertaining Q&A session hosted by Paul Woodford.
Thank you to all the competitors, prize winners, sponsors and VIP guests for attending the awards and making it a very special night.
Be the first to comment