EU3: Bradley Ellis BRDC Awards notes

BRDC Innes Ireland Trophy for Ellis

Bradley Ellis was presented with the BRDC Innes Ireland Trophy during the British Racing Drivers' Club Awards 2008 at the Cafe Royal, London, on Monday 8 December, where the 21 year-old was recognised for his courage and sportsmanship following the accident that broke his neck earlier this year.

Ellis was in excellent company to collect the award. Recently crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton joined fellow British F1 World Champions Nigel Mansell OBE and Damon Hill OBE, President of the BRDC. Also in attendance was Sir Stirling Moss OBE, John Watson MBE, Ron Dennis CBE, David Coulthard, Derek Warwick, Allan McNish, David Brabham and Darren Turner to name a few.

The Croydon ace flew in from the last FIA GT3 European rounds in Dubai especially to attend the event where he was one of seven drivers battling for the championship crown. Despite clinching his first ever FIA GT3 European pole and another podium finish on Friday, Saturday's final round was cancelled due to parts of the track being underwater, drowning Ellis' championship chances. Ellis did emerge, however, as the winner of the Ford Manufacturer Cup.

"It was an honour to attend the BRDC Awards for the first time in my career and I am really proud to have received the Innes Ireland Trophy in front of the cream of British motorsport," said Ellis. "I'd like to thank the BRDC for their season-long support and to everyone who helped me to make a full recovery after my accident. I won't forget it in a hurry."

-credit: bradleyellisracing.com