The Franchitti family won the Jim Clark Memorial Award

The Franchitti family won the Jim Clark Memorial Award

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George Franchitti
George Franchitti receives the award

One of Scotland’s most famous names in motorsport, the Franchitti family, added a new trophy to their already extensive collection. George Franchitti, and sons Dario and Marino, together are joint winners of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ 2017 Ford-supported Jim Clark Memorial Award.

The family of flying Scotsmen, from Bathgate, West Lothian, took the award in recognition of their longstanding involvement and success in motorsport as well as the inspiration they provide and example they set to a new generation of aspiring racing drivers.

Dad George Franchitti collected the award at a presentation evening

His wife Marina and the brothers’ sister Carla MacFarlane also attended the ceremony.

“The Franchitti name is one which has a global association with success and professionalism, both on and off the track”, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers Stephen Park said.

“It’s extremely appropriate that both father and sons together receive the 2017 Jim Clark Memorial Award. It was George’s involvement in motor racing which proved infectious for both Dario and Marino. Throughout their careers, the brothers demonstrated ability and commitment across a large number of different race series, both at home and internationally.”

“However it’s also important to recognise the women in the family, namely Marina and Carla. They are consistently at the side of George, Dario and Marino, offering unstinting encouragement and support.”

Collecting the award, George Franchitti commented: “Jim Clark was my hero when I was a young man. He was both a world beating driver at the very top of motor racing and a gentleman. To receive this award in his name is a matter of great surprise and pride to me.”

“I have been involved in motor racing throughout my life and was happy to encourage both Dario and Marino to take part and enjoy themselves. We have been so lucky that they both showed talent. We were able to take advantage of some great opportunities and enjoy success around the world.”

“Throughout this time, our family has always been proud of the way they conducted themselves both on and off the track. Along with our pride in their success on the track, we’ve been equally pleased to hear from others that they have remained humble throughout their careers.”

Dario Franchitti: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive the Jim Clark Award”

Dario added: “Jim Clark is my hero so it’s a tremendous honour to receive the Jim Clark Award. And to do so alongside my brother and our dad makes it extra special. My earliest memories are watching my dad compete at Ingliston which started a lifelong passion for motorsport. My parents made huge sacrifices to support racing programmes for Marino and I, as did our sister Carla. So I’m delighted we can share this as a family.”

And brother Marino said: “To be given this award is such an honour. I couldn’t think of a way to improve on that. But receiving it with my Dad and brother makes it extra special. Our careers have always been a family effort, so I’d like to thank my wife Holly, my mum Marina and sister Carla as well for their selfless support, and sacrifice over the years. To receive an award in Jim Clark’s name is incredible and I have to thank the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for recognising our family.”

The Jim Clark Memorial Award is in memory of the famous Scot

Clark gave Ford its first ever Formula One win with the new Ford-Cosworth V8 engine. That happened  at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1967 in a Lotus 49.

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers presents annually the award (now in its fifth decade) to a deserving Scot. Previous winners include motorsport legends Sir Jackie Stewart, Allan McNish, David Coulthard, Louise Aitken-Walker, Colin McRae and world land speed record breaker, Richard Noble OBE.

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