CRAIG BREEN HAS wrapped up an eventual year by winning Driver of the Year at the Dunlop Motorsport Ireland Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards.
The Waterford driver was presented with the prize at the Hilton Airport Hotel this afternoon.
Breen secured his second successive world title last month when he won the S2000 category of the World Rally Championship following his victory in the WRC Academy in 2011.
He was presented with the Manley Memorial Trophy at the ceremony and reflected on what has been a hugely successful but also emotional year after he lost his best friend and co-driver, Gareth Roberts, during a tragic accident in June.
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Breen said, “Winning this trophy twelve months ago was a huge privilege and now to win it for a second time is unbelievable.
“It has been a difficult year but to finally secure the championship (SWRC) in Spain was justification of my decision to continue.”
Breen, who’s father Ray was a successful rally driver, gave credit to [Motorsport Ireland president] Joe Corcoran, Alex Sinclair and James Coleman for their support throughout the year. He added:
In the aftermath of the accident it took some time to decide on my next step but after making the decision to continue, I knew it was the correct one.
“I love every minute of what I do and it’s times like this that I can look back on in years to come. The second half of the season has been difficult at times but to come back and win three rounds out of four in the SWRC has been very rewarding.”
Three world champions
The Billy Coleman award for the Young Rally Driver of the Year went to Daniel McKenna ahead of runners up Dean Raftery and Stephen Wright.
The Monaghan driver, who achieved fine wins at the Monaghan Stages and Midland Moto rallies. will now receive €50,000 worth of support for the 2013 season where he hopes to compete in the British Rally Championship.
The Dunlop Sexton Trophy for the Young Racing Driver of the Year was awarded to Kevin O’Hara ahead of runners up Stephen Daly and Jake Byrne.
Corcoran said, “We have seen three Irish world champions crowned over the past month or so and we have also seen many of our drivers succeeding nationally and internationally, which is hugely encouraging.”
Craig Breen wins top international accolade at Irish Motorsport Awards
CRAIG BREEN HAS wrapped up an eventual year by winning Driver of the Year at the Dunlop Motorsport Ireland Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards.
The Waterford driver was presented with the prize at the Hilton Airport Hotel this afternoon.
Breen secured his second successive world title last month when he won the S2000 category of the World Rally Championship following his victory in the WRC Academy in 2011.
He was presented with the Manley Memorial Trophy at the ceremony and reflected on what has been a hugely successful but also emotional year after he lost his best friend and co-driver, Gareth Roberts, during a tragic accident in June.
Breen said, “Winning this trophy twelve months ago was a huge privilege and now to win it for a second time is unbelievable.
“It has been a difficult year but to finally secure the championship (SWRC) in Spain was justification of my decision to continue.”
Breen, who’s father Ray was a successful rally driver, gave credit to [Motorsport Ireland president] Joe Corcoran, Alex Sinclair and James Coleman for their support throughout the year. He added:
“I love every minute of what I do and it’s times like this that I can look back on in years to come. The second half of the season has been difficult at times but to come back and win three rounds out of four in the SWRC has been very rewarding.”
Three world champions
The Billy Coleman award for the Young Rally Driver of the Year went to Daniel McKenna ahead of runners up Dean Raftery and Stephen Wright.
The Monaghan driver, who achieved fine wins at the Monaghan Stages and Midland Moto rallies. will now receive €50,000 worth of support for the 2013 season where he hopes to compete in the British Rally Championship.
The Dunlop Sexton Trophy for the Young Racing Driver of the Year was awarded to Kevin O’Hara ahead of runners up Stephen Daly and Jake Byrne.
That’s a lot of silverware: The great and the good of Irish motorsport. (©INPHO/Cathal Noonan)
Corcoran said, “We have seen three Irish world champions crowned over the past month or so and we have also seen many of our drivers succeeding nationally and internationally, which is hugely encouraging.”
A full list of the winners can be found here.
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Award Awards Awards Season breen machine daniel mckenna driver of the year dunlop Gareth Roberts joe corcoran kevin o'hara Motorsport motorsport awards motorsport ireland rachel wallace rally Waterford