2006 Simms Medal Awarded to Bill Gibson for his Outstanding Contribution to Motoring
The Royal Automobile Club Marks Zytek Managing Directors Achievements for UK Motor IndustryThe Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy Technical Sub Committee have chosen the winner of the Simms Medal for 2006, which will be presented on Tuesday 13th March to Bill Gibson, founder and Managing Director of Zytek, for his achievements in the fields of motorsport and electric vehicles. Named after Frederick Simms, the founding member of the RAC, the Simms Medal recognises a genuine contribution to motoring innovation by individuals or small companies that also exemplify the spirit of adventure.
With a background in electronic development, Bill Gibson set up Zytek in 1982 initially to produce electronic engine management systems for race car applications. Since then the Zytek Group has expanded to encompass many different areas, including the development and production of engines for F3000 and A1 GP, and particularly in electronic and hybrid vehicles where he has been a crusading force.
He developed the Panoz hybrid Le Mans car in 1998 and more recently has developed a full hybrid saloon car in response to the Energy Saving Trust’s Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge. But it is in the field of the pure electronic vehicle that he has been most innovative. Over the past 5 years Zytek has been working on the development of an electric powered Smart car, which was launched to the world in November 2006.
“There is a popular myth that the best inventions come from eccentric individuals working with string and sticky tape in draughty sheds,” said John Wood, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club’s Dewar Trophy Technical Sub Committee. “The reality is, of course, very different and Bill Gibson represents the very best of UK innovation. From small beginnings, he has built up an extraordinary and diverse high-tech company group based on excellence in engineering and a determination to exploit and stretch the boundaries of technology. But what really stands out is his boundless enthusiasm and passion for everything that he is involved with and especially in the field of electric vehicles. It is a true spirit of pioneering adventure.”
The Simms Medal is awarded to an individual or company by the Royal Automobile Club for their work in the development of motoring, automobiles or motorsport and exemplifies the spirit of adventure. Previous winners of the Simms Medal include Radical, BAR Honda and last years winner Simon Saunders, the designer of the Ariel Atom.
The Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy, will be presented to the team that captured the world diesel land speed record and is awarded for outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive world. The JCB Dieselmax land speed record project achieved significant technical advances in diesel technology in an extremely short period of time to achieve the goal of travelling at 350mph in a diesel powered vehicle.
The Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy and Simms Medal Award Lunch will take place at their prestigious London Clubhouse in Pall Mall on Tuesday 13th March 2007.
