AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES YOUNG HOPEFULS

Parry, the 2013 Formula Renault NEC Champion with Fortec Motorsport, picked up the prestigious accolade at the Autosport Awards on 1 December. Over its 25-year history, past winners include 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti and Formula One driver Paul Di Resta.

After an impressive karting career, Parry enjoyed a title-winning InterSteps campaign in 2012 before moving to Formula Renault NEC and securing the crown in his first European foray.

Following his outstanding season, which included five wins and four podium finishes, and a judging process overseen by respected industry figures, he was presented with the award, with prizes including a McLaren Formula One test drive, £100,000 cheque going towards his racing career and full BRDC membership.

The 19-year-old is the latest guest to be confirmed for Autosport International, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC, and will be joined by fellow finalists Jack Aitken, Jake Hughes, Chris Middlehurst, Seb Morris and Charlie Robertson.

The rising Brits will be interviewed on the Autosport Stage, discussing their aspirations and future plans, and demonstrate their talents in the Live Action Arena, a 5,000-seat amphitheatre offering fans the opportunity to experience live racing, exhilarating stunts and precision driving from a range of stars and cars.

“This is a remarkable award to have won, and a huge boost for my ongoing motorsport career. I'm both honoured and privileged to join the other 24 names on the roll of previous winners, and can only hope to follow in their footsteps in the next few years,” Parry said.

“Of course, I'm looking forward to driving the McLaren F1 car, but that is just a small part of what winning the Award can do for me. It's an amazing opportunity.”

“Matt Parry impressed this year with five wins and this has been recognised with an award that proves he is a rising star in British motorsport,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director. “Congratulations to Matt, we're really looking forward to welcoming him and the other McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalists to Autosport International in January.”

Parry will be joined by a celebrity line-up that includes the likes of John Surtees, the only man to have won World Championships on two and four wheels, Sky Sports F1 presenter Martin Brundle, Sahara Force India F1 racer Adrian Sutil, Le Mans legends Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish and newly-crowned Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion Andrew Jordan.

Also at the prestigious awards ceremony, Surtees was presented with the Gregor Grant Award, further recognising his contribution to motorsport, while Jordan was named National Racing Driver of the Year.

Adult tickets are now available from £31 and children's tickets from £20. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.