HAVING chalked up 20 years in local motor racing, Darren Warwick has admitted he was ‘extremely shocked’ at winning the Guernsey Press Sporting Achievement of the Year Award for 2012.

The 37-year-old hill climb star regularly lowered the all-time local hill record at Le Val des Terres during 2012, becoming the first man to go ‘sub-29’‚ and then later ‘sub-28’ in setting a best time of a staggering 27.88sec. in September.

But despite being the fastest ever locally-based racer, Warwick was not expecting this particular award to be bestowed upon him,  one which sees him follow in the footsteps of friend and multiple World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx, the only other motor racer to pick up the trophy.

‘I am absolutely delighted and chuffed to bits, so am extremely thankful to you guys for choosing me for this award,’ he said.