This Is Guernsey

TRIPLE world touring car champion Andy Priaulx’s achievements will be marked by a special presentation at the 2007 Sportingbet Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year awards this month. The Guernsey racing driver, who has twice been named CI Sports Personality of the Year, will be honoured with a special citation in front of more than 450 guests at the gala presentation evening at Beau Sejour on 24 January.

After his third consecutive world title, Priaulx has been hailed the most successful touring car driver of all time.

He has explained his absence from the list of nominees for the top CI sports award.

‘Winning this honour in previous years has counted as intensely proud moments for me, but I have made the decision to stand down from nominations for several reasons,’ Priaulx said.

‘Very importantly, we have some very talented sports people from Guernsey and while all of them may not have won world championships, this does not make their achievements any less worthy. I think they should be recognised for what they have done.

‘Also this year I am again travelling around the world trying to win a historic fourth title. This will take me away from my home and family for long periods and so I shall not be able to be there for special occasions for them or my fellow islanders.’

It’s a busy time for the Guernseyman.

He starts testing this week and then follows public appearances at the premier motor-racing show, the Autosport International in Birmingham where he will open it to the public on Sunday.

Sportingbet managing director Bob Dutnall said Priaulx’s success was an example to the many other talented sportsmen and women from the islands, whose achievements will be recognised at the awards.

‘The whole event is about recognising excellence in our local sportspeople and it is right that we honour Andy,’ said Dutnall.

‘As someone who has won the CI Sports Personality of the Year award twice before, his success behind the wheel provides a great example of what our home-grown talent can go on to achieve.

‘He exemplifies the dedication, commitment and sacrifice that make a champion and which any successor to the title of Sportingbet CI Sports Personality of the Year is going to have to have demonstrated in reaching the top in their own field.’

Article posted on 9th January, 2008 - 12.00am