Secretary of State for Buisness, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable presents award during Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) reception for parliamentary and industry leaders at the House of Lords
The exceptional career, as a driver and successful team owner, of M-Sport founder, Malcolm Wilson OBE, was recognised with an award from the MIA for Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry, at the House of Lords, yesterday evening (1 July 2014).
The Award was presented by minister, Vince Cable, at the MIA’s prestigious annual reception, where 300 guests from government, parliament and global motorsport were hosted by MIA President, Lord Drayson.
Malcolm Wilson has enjoyed 35 years of rallying at the highest level. He drove for three factory teams in the World Rally Championship, winning two British national titles and the British Rally Championship in 1994. After winning the FIA Manufacturers’ World Rally Championship for Ford in 2006 and 2007, he received an OBE for services to British motorsport.
Under his leadership, M-Sport has become one of the world's leading rally teams, with many international titles and wins to its credit. Based in Cumbria since its formation, M-Sport now employs over 200 people who design, manufacture, build and implement world-wide service for rally teams in motorsport in the modern complex surrounding their 12th-century Dovenby Hall HQ. The business has produced more than 1,000 Ford rally cars since 1999 and goes from strength to strength.
Last year, M-Sport was engaged by the Bentley Motor Company to design, build and market the iconic Bentley Continental GT3, which is now racing and winning in major Sports Car championships in Europe and the USA.
Malcolm Wilson joins an elite group of previous MIA Award winners, including Ron Dennis CBE; John Surtees OBE; Adrian Newey OBE; Ross Brawn OBE; Sir Frank Williams CBE; Sir Stirling Moss OBE; Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, David Richards CBE, and Bernie Ecclestone.
On winning his award Malcolm Wilson, OBE said: “I have to say this is one of the biggest shocks I’ve had in my motorsport career. I really, genuinely, didn’t expect to win this award. I have a huge amount of respect for the MIA and so this, of course, means a great deal to me. Everybody here knows that in order to succeed in any walk of life, you need a great team around you and I am very proud to have worked with some incredibly talented people throughout my career. The MIA has been a great supporter of M-Sport and has helped me with many aspects of my business over the years. I hope this body continues for the foreseeable future and that there are many great years ahead for everyone involved.”
Chris Aylett, CEO of the MIA added: “Malcolm fully deserves this special award from his friends in the industry. From humble beginnings, his energy and limitless drive has developed a truly world beating motorsport business that has never moved from his beloved Cumbria, bringing wealth and employment to this beautiful region of the UK. Many UK suppliers have benefitted from his success for a long period and will, undoubtedly do so in the future as he sets new standards in sports car racing and r
