British motorsport and engineering company Prodrive has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club.
The award, which recognises outstanding contributions in the field of automotive transport or motorsport, was presented to the company at the Pall Mall Clubhouse on October 31st.
Prodrive founder David Richards was on hand to receive it and celebrate the company’s four decades of success in sportscar racing, rallying touring cars and Formula 1.
As he accepted the Diamond Jubilee Trophy, Richards said: “Succeeding in any form of motorsport is an enormous challenge but we’ve always recruited the best people in the business, and had a clear philosophy about everything we do.
“The culture this has created is one of ‘just make it happen’, yet do it in a way that you will be proud of. So sometimes it’s the smaller achievements that give the most satisfaction, especially when you beat all the odds.”
First awarded in 1957, when the Royal Automobile Club celebrated its 60th anniversary, the Diamond Jubilee Trophy had only been handed out six times prior to this year. This year is the first time it has been presented since 2016, when John Bloor accepted it on behalf of Triumph Motorcycles.
“We are delighted to honour Prodrive with our Diamond Jubilee Trophy,” said Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.
“David’s leadership is truly inspirational, and the results of his skills in organisation and motivation speak for themselves – as does the fact that so many great names are here to celebrate Prodrive’s ongoing success.
“To excel in just one area of motorsport today is an exceptional achievement, but to do so in so many – and to foster so much talent both behind the wheel and behind the scenes – is a magnificent achievement.”
Image courtesy of Royal Automobile Club
