Davanti Tyres racing driver Dan Zelos has been shortlisted for the inaugural Motorsport News National Racing Driver of the Year award.
British Racing Drivers’ Club Rising Star Zelos – who has launched his most serious title bid yet in this year’s Mini Challenge – features alongside some of the best touring car, GT and F4 drivers in British racing.
Motorsport News has launched this award to recognise the national-level drivers whose outstanding performances have not only put them on the road to victory, but have delighted autosport fans with their drama and bravery.
“I’m so proud to have been included on the shortlist,” said Dan. “This season the preparation me and the team have done has really paid off.
“Team Excelr8 prepped the Davanti car so well and I stayed sharp in the off-season driving on a virtual reality simulator in e-racing.
“Together those efforts helped us get off to a great start and we have built momentum from there.
Motorsport News editor Matt James said: “Our mission with the inaugural Motorsport News awards is to credit those drivers, teams, organisers and volunteers who have gone the extra mile in the last 12 months.
“If there is one thing that the tough times recently have taught us, it is that the passion for motorsport and the act of competing is stronger than it has ever been. As the Voice of British Motorsport, we salute that and what better way to do that than with our first Motorsport News awards. Get involved and make your vote count.”
For now, Dan is focused on his final round of racing as he looks to clinch the Mini Challenge title at Brands Hatch this weekend, but he said he was thrilled to be shortlisted.
“Obviously I’d love to win the National Racing Driver of the Year award, but simply to be in this conversation is an honour.”
Whether Dan – Team Excelr8’s British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) development driver – wins the award is down to you.
You can vote online at www.fastcar.co.uk/motorsportnews/national-racing-driver-of-the-year-2021 by simply clicking on Dan’s image, with results announced on November 11.
