BENJAMIN FRANASSOVICI WINS THE JOHN NICOL TROPHY

SRO co-ordinator Benjamin Franassovici was presented with the BRSCC John Nicol Memorial Trophy at the Club’s Awards Dinner Dance for the 2012 season, which was held at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Saturday night. The trophy, named in honour of John Nicol, a former Chief Executive of the BRSCC, was presented to Benjamin, by John’s widow Debs Nicol.

In announcing the award, BRSCC Chairman Bernard Cottrell said, "Benjamin has solely been responsible for turning around the British GT Championship. Just three years ago, the grids at Snetterton produced only 14 cars and serious questions were raised about the future viability of the championship.

By way of contrast, last year’s grid doubled to an average of 28 with a peak of 31 entries at Silverstone. In total, 33 teams competed, with 14 marques of car and 21 different models racing. For the new season there are already 24 teams signed, including the Vita4One Team joining the championship from Italy.

Through sheer hard work and determination, Benjamin has engineered the return of iconic names such as Lamborghini and Aston Martin to make it the premier GT championship in Europe and so he thoroughly merits this accolade."

Formula Ford 1600 co-ordinator, Ian Smith, won the Bert Lamkin Memorial Salver in recognition of the service he has given club Formula Ford racing, particularly in the North West.

BRSCC South Eastern Centre Flag Marshal, John Baker, to mark his many years of marshalling, won the GPDA Monty Terrell Trophy.

Almost 300 guests attended the dinner and we will have news and photos of more awards later in the week.