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Matt Neal wins National Driver of the Year at the Autosport Awards

By MJP Media | 6 December 2011

Matt Neal has won the coveted National Driver of the Year at this year's Autosport Awards.

Alan Gow presents Matt Neal with his 2011 BTCC Drivers' Championship trophy
Alan Gow presents Matt Neal with his 2011 BTCC Drivers' Championship trophy

Neal becomes the third British Touring Car Champion in as many years to win the award following former BTCC champions Colin Turkington and Jason Plato who won the award in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Neal also won the award in 2005 after winning his first BTCC Drivers' Championship title.

Neal, who won his third Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship this year, beat his Honda Racing Team team-mate Gordon Shedden as well as fellow BTCC competitor Jason Plato and British Formula 3 champion Felipe Nasr to win the award which was presented by former F1 and BTCC star Johnny Herbert.

Accepting the award, Neal commented on his rivalry with Jason Plato, saying: "We have a bit of a love/hate relationship. He wants to win and fight his side and I do the same for mine. It is touring cars. Maybe we will do it again next year, but hopefully not to the same level. Thank you."

Neal took an impressive 7 race wins and 13 podiums in his Honda Civic to clinch his 3rd BTCC title.


Matt Neal in his Honda Racing Team Civic at Brands Hatch
Matt Neal in his Honda Racing Team Civic at Brands Hatch

 

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