Published: Thursday, 28th May, 2009 11:45am

Shedden wins top honour

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TOURING Car racer and Knockhill Circuit business development manager Gordon Shedden has been named as the winnernt of the Jim Clark Memorial Award for 2009.

From his 2001 British Touring Car Championship debut drive in a Ford Focus, the Dalgety Bay race ace has gone on to compete in 90 BTCC races, achieving 16 fastest laps, 23 podium finishes and 10 race wins.

Alongside his wife, Jillian, he was presented with the trophy at a ceremony at the quayside Apex Hotel, Dundee, on Saturday night.

Given annually by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, the award recognises the contributions and achievements of Scots in the world of motoring and motorsport. This year"s award ceremony was again sponsored by Ford Motor Company, for whom Jim Clark drove in the early "60s in Ford Cosworth powered Formula 1 cars and also in the British Touring Car Championship.

Winning the 2000 Ford Fiesta Championship put Shedden"s name firmly on the motorsport radar and since then the West Fife-based driver has always flown the flag for Scotland. Although well-known for his speed and style in the televised BTCC series, Shedden has also competed in the SEAT Cupra Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup.

Although Shedden doesn"t currently have a drive this season following his shock axeing by Team Halfords earlier this season, the motorsport enthusiast is kept busy by his "day job" at Knockhill.

Presenting Shedden with the award, John Murdoch, Vice President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said, 'The essence of the award has always been to recognise worthy recipients who contribute time and energy to the industry and Gordon Shedden is a worthy winner.

'Not only is he a fantastic driver with natural talent but he"s a real ambassador for Scottish motorsport, both through his professional approach on and off track and to his work promoting the sport at Knockhill.

'Previous winners have included motorsport legends Sir Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard and Allan McNish, as well as author Eric Dymock and broadcaster Lee McKenzie, so Gordon is joining an impressive list.'

Double BTCC champion and former team mate Matt Neal added, 'Flash (Gordon) has not only been a team mate and rival over recent years but a great friend too.

'I would just like to pass my congratulations on to him for winning this award which bears such a great name, and wish much luck, happiness, and success on his journey to winning many more like it in the future.'

After the presentation Shedden said, 'The news that I was to receive this award came completely out of the blue – I didn"t even know I was being considered. To receive an accolade in the name of a motorsport legend like Jim Clark is unbelievable and I"m absolutely delighted.'