Ron Dennis receives GoMW President’s accolade

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has won a top award from the UK’s motoring press for his services to F1 and the car industry.

Ron was presented with the Guild of Motoring Writers President’s Trophy for outstanding achievement in the field of international automobilism due to his work with the McLaren F1 team and in the development of the company’s road cars. He accepted the honour from rock icon Nick Mason, former Pink Floyd drummer and president of the Guild.

By presenting the award Nick, who has an impressive collection of classic vehicles and is a regular contributor to Octane magazine, has revived the tradition of a President’s Trophy which was established by his precedessor, the late Lord Strathcarron.

The trophy took the form of an engraved Mont Blanc fountain pen and desk set. In handing it over, Nick said how pleased he was to present it to Ron in recognition of the fantastic job he has done with McLaren.

Thanking the president, Ron recalled the days when Nick had spent time with the team – commenting it was the only time when motor racing was more important to him than music! He added that McLaren was much more than one person: everyone concentrates on doing his or her best for the organisation.

The event also provided the opportunity to present the Guild's annual Driver of the Year Award. Unfortunately, winner Lewis Hamilton was unable to receive it in person due to a commitment in Switzerland, so it was accepted on his behalf by McLaren race engineer Phil Prew. The award was presented by Richard Durbin of Bentley, whose design team created the unique trophy.

Following the Guild AGM, hosted by Mercedes at its Brooklands centre, the presentations took place at McLaren’s headquarters in Surrey, after which Guild members enjoyed a tour of the breathtaking facility.