A name like the ‘True Grit Award' could only have been invented by Lewis Hamilton. Indeed, the 2008 world champion must take the credit for creating what must already be one of the most coveted prizes in junior motorsport.
While many prizes are awarded to the fastest or the most successful, the ‘Lewis Hamilton True Grit Award' goes to the driver who has displayed the greatest fighting spirit at each round during the season.
As ambassador for Formula Kart Stars (formerly the Champions Of The Future series), Lewis was involved in last month's prize-giving ceremony, which took place last month at Whilton Mill kart circuit, not only providing inspiration for the True Grit Award, but also providing goodie bags - including a signed cap and a copy of McLaren's luxury coffee table tome ‘The Cars: 1964-2008' to each winner.
Winners of the True Grit Award were Ryan Norris, Jay Goodwin, Adam Glear, Oliver Myers, Robert Newman, Jack Barlow, George Byrne and Bobby Thompson (who won the accolade in the final round of the series and will receive his award at the end of November). Former British Cadet champion Bradley Ellis presented the winners with their awards on Lewis's behalf.
Other big winners at the prize-giving included MSA British Cadet champion George Russell, Formula Mini Max champ Jack Barlow, Matt Parry - winner of Formula Junior Max, and Alex Albon.
