Team RAC driver Colin Turkington has won the 2007 BMW Sports Trophy. It was presented to him in Munich on Saturday.
This is the second prestigous award for Turkington this year, having already secured the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Independents’ title in his BMW 320si.
The 25-year-old from Portadown, Northern Ireland also competed successfully for Team Aviva in the World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) races at Brands Hatch and Macau.
The trophy was open to BMW privateer drivers running in different series around the world, with a total of 98 drivers from 11 different countries in the running for the prestigous award.
Turkington picked up 530 points in the intricate scoring system, which saw him finish 15 points clear of Swedish Touring Car Champion Fredrick Ekblom, with Richard Goransson taking third. He received a cheque for 30,000 Euros as a reward for taking the title.
Turkington said “I’m absolutely delighted to win the BMW Sports Trophy. It has been a great year for me. I took the BTCC Independents’ title in my first season in the BMW and made my mark in the World Touring Car Championship for Team Aviva. I’m extremely grateful to Team RAC and WSR who have provided me with great opportunities and have been instrumental to my success so far.”
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal added “I’m thrilled for Colin as he is a tremendously talented young driver who has worked extremely hard this season to become accustomed to a rear wheel drive car and has grasped every new opportunity superbly. We are now looking forward to another great year in 2008.”
BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said of the increased competition of the award: “It reflects the competitiveness of the extended BMW product range for private touring car involvement. I have tremendous respect for the teams and drivers who make their mark worldwide in the most diverse categories without any works support. With their BMW 320si, 320i, 120d and Z4 M Coupe models they are important ambassadors of our brand.”
Alex Ellis, RAC Sponsorship and PR Manager said: “It was fantastic to see Colin Turkington win the BMW Sports Trophy. RAC’s second season sponsoring WSR in the British Touring Car Championship has been a great success and it is testament to the expertise of Team RAC. Colin is continuing to develop his talent and prove himself against the best in the world.”
