BRIAN JONES IS THE JOHN NICOL TROPHY WINNER!

Brian Jones receives the JN Trophy from Debs Nicol. Photo: Gary Hawkins

Brian Jones, the ‘Voice of Brands Hatch’ was named as the winner of the BRSCC John Nicol Memorial Trophy at the Club’s Awards Dinner Dance for the 2014 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 received by a surprised and delighted Brian from John’s widow Debs Nicol.

In announcing the award, BRSCC Chairman Bernard Cottrell said, "Brian joins a legendary list of names who have won the John Nicol Trophy, ranging from the Derek Bell, Murray Walker, and Lewis Hamilton through to last year’s winner, Mark Webber.

Brian’s commentating career began at Brands Hatch at a Radio 1 Fun day in the mid-80s. ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton was due to commentate, but realised he had forgotten his glasses so the call went out for “anyone who knew anything about racing”. A microphone was thrust into Brian’s hand and he was told to start talking and to this day he is still waiting for someone to tell him to stop!”

The awards dinner was also quite a 70th birthday celebration for BRSCC Midland Centre Chairman, David Pierre. David, who is also an International Clerk of the Course, won the Bert Lamkin Memorial Salver in recognition of the service he has given to the Club and the Midlands Centre over many years.

The Midlands Centre also featured in the presentation of the GPDA Monty Terrell Trophy with Loughborough based Graeme Fowler winning the trophy as the 2014 Flag Marshal of the Year.

A special presentation was also made to Ford Racing UK’s Kevin Shortis to mark 25 seasons of working with the BRSCC.

Almost 400 guests attended the awards dinner, which was hosted by Downforce Radio's Jake Sanson and we will have news and photos of more awards later in the week.