The excitement is growing in the run up to the 2017 Motorsport Ireland Awards which this year has Beta Tools as its new lead sponsor. 

Judging across several award categories is already well underway as motorsport journalists cast their eyes across the achievements of the best and brightest of Irish drivers who are competing domestically and internationally.

On the international front, The Manley Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the Irish International Driver of the Year. This will be presented to a competitor, from the 32 counties who has not only proven to be a success on the track but has also acted as a positive role model and ambassador for the sport. Previous winners include motorsport luminaries such as World Rally Championship star Craig Breen; Keith Cronin, a four-time winner of the British Rally Championships; former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine; European Le Mans Series Champion Matt Griffin; and European Rallycross champion Derek Tohill.

In early November, the young rally and racing drivers who are competing to win the prestigious Billy Coleman and Sexton Trophy awards will be put through their paces when they meet panels of judges in Motorsport Ireland’s Headquarters in Dawson Street, Dublin. The panels will consist of fellow competitors, journalists and representatives from Motorsport Ireland and Sport Ireland.

Beta has a distinguished history in motorsport dating back to the 1970s. At the launch event, Martin Bryers, Beta Head of Sales, UK and Ireland, said, "In association with our partners in Ireland, J&S Automotive, Beta are delighted to sponsor the Motorsport Ireland Awards and to be involved with Irish Motorsport. Passion and sports run in the veins of the Beta family. For 50 years we’ve actively supported competitive motorsport of every variety at every level. Now we’re looking forward to working with young Irish drivers and teams who are looking to develop their careers in motorsport.”

The Beta Motorsport Ireland Awards will be held in the Round Room at the Mansion House on December 5th. Among the prestigious prizes up for grabs are the International Driver of the Year, the Sexton Trophy, and the Billy Coleman Award for the young rally driver of the year.