DRIVER PAUL BOURNE and navigator Stuart Maloney made up for going last season without a championship win by lifting the 2009 Virgin Atlantic BRC Drivers championship trophy, at the Barbados Rally Club's (BRC) prize-giving function at Balls Plantation last weekend.

Geoff Noel and Kreigg Yearwood took home the prestigious Virgin Atlantic BRC Overall Class Champion title after taking the top spot over the 11 classes.

Club chairman Mark Hamilton told NATIONSPORTS that in spite of the current economic challenges, 2009 was a good year for the club.

"It was a successful season. Competition was keen, there were good entry level levels and we had new machinery arriving on the scene . . . .

"We had an equal if not increased interest from sponsors, and all the long-term sponsors remained."

Hamilton also referenced the contribution motorsport made to the national economy, especially the flagship event, Rally Barbados, which he said promoted Barbados in many countries.

He added that sports tourism was an area that could and should be fully developed as an income earner for Barbados.

Looking to next season, he said a number of plans were in the works, but stressed that spectator safety was a concern.

"Safety sensitisation will be a focus next year. We will be alerting the public to what they need to know to ensure their safety.

"This will be a big part of what we are planning to do."

About 70 people were recognised for their achievements and contributions to the 2009 motorsports season.

The team of Roger Hill and Graham Gittens were second in the Driver's Championship, with Neil Armstrong and Barry Ward third. Roger Skeete and Louis Venezia were fourth, and Trevor Manning and Derek Edwards fifth.

Second to Noel and Yearwood in the Class champion battle were Edward Corbin and Rodney Clarke.

While both teams tied points-wise, Noel edged ahead with 11 wins, as compared to Corbin's ten for the season, forcing Corbin to settle for the runner-up position again.

The Autocross category was recognised for the first time at the club's prize-giving.

This discipline has been credited with giving current competitors such as Neil Armstrong, Michael Worme, Jamal Brathwaite and Fabien Clarke their start, and this season around 20 competitors participated in four events held at Bushy Park.

John Marshall topped the category, with Jamal Brathwaite second. Fabien Clarke and Simon Goddard were tied for fourth, and Michael Collymore and Dominic Serrao were tied for fifth.

The marshals were also honoured, including long-standing marshals Paul Bourne, Michael Broomes, David Carter and Lynne Croney from the speed and Mud Dogs arms.

The 2010 season will start in February. (ABB)