THRUXTON favourite Gerry Marshall has won one of motorsport's top awards.

The Thruxton-based British Automobile Racing Club will present him with their prestigious Gold Medal at their presentation dinner on February 9.

The medal - not an annual award - is given by the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by a Brit.

Since it was first awarded to Stirling Moss in 1955, 43 have been honoured, among them Hampshire's ex-Formula 1 and SportsCar world champion Derek Warwick and Fordingbridge TV commentator Murray Walker.

From Thruxton C chief executive Dennis Carter said: "There's no doubt Gerry merits a Gold Medal. He's won over 600 races and given many a lot of enjoyment over the years."

More recently Marshall has turned to historic racing and remains a spectacular driver.