
Formula Renault NEC champion Ben Barnicoat kicked off the 2014 AUTOSPORT Awards by being crowned British Club Driver of the Year.
McLaren Formula 1 team racing director Eric Boullier presented 17-year-old Barnicoat with the award.
After a stellar karting career, Barnicoat hinted at his potential by winning the FRenault BARC Autumn Cup on his car racing debut in 2013.
The Racing Steps Foundation backed driver then swept to the FRenault NEC title with Fortec in his first full year in cars this season.
On receiving his award, Barnicoat said: "2014 was my first season in cars so I had a lot to learn, but I made great progress."
He was part of a sextet of champions in the running for the Club award, up against Renault Clio Cup title-winner Mike Bushell, VW Cup champion Joe Fulbrook, Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion Charlie Robertson, BRDC Formula 4 champion George Russell and Porsche Carrera Cup title-winner Josh Webster.
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