British Touring Car Championship race winner Gordon Shedden has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Jim Clark Memorial Award. Gordon, Knockhill’s Business Development Manager, and married to circuit owner Derek Butcher’s daughter Jillian, made his BTCC debut in a Ford Focus in 2001.
Having competed in 90 BTCC races, achieving 16 fastest laps, 23 podium finishes and 10 race wins, Gordon received the award — which recognises the contributions and achievements of Scots in the world of motoring and motorsport — from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.
Winning the 2000 Ford Fiesta Championship put Gordon’s name firmly on the motorsport radar and since then the Fife-based driver has always flown the flag for Scotland. Although well-known for his speed and style in the televised BTCC series, Gordon has also competed in the Seat Cupra championship and Porsche Carrera Cup.
Although Gordon doesn’t currently have a drive this season, the motorsport enthusiast is kept busy by his ‘day job’ as Business Development Manager at Knockhill circuit.
Presenting Gordon with the accolade, 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 Halfords Honda team-mate Matt Neal added: “Flash (Gordon) has not only been a tea- mate and rival over recent years but a great friend too. My only problems with him were, he learns too fast, he drives too fast and he’s a lot younger than I am!
“Not only was that annoying, but also his loyal support of any team playing England at football or rugby, and then revelling in their victories on the obviously very few occasions England got beat. 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, which took place in Dundee, Gordon 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.”
JM