RYAN LAWFORD has crowned a successful first season in rallycross by winning one of the sport’s major prizes.

The 21-year-old, from Blean, near Canterbury, was voted Best Newcomer of the Year at the British Drivers’ Association annual awards night.

He is earning himself a reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young talents, after finishing second in his first year driving a Peugeot 205 in Stock Hatch racing.

Lawford said: "I couldn’t believe it, but was very happy. I thoroughly enjoyed competing at tracks all over the country."

* See the Kentish Gazette (Thursday, February 15) for the full story.