Marshal honoured after tackling Brit GP invader.

The Motor Sports Association [MSA] has announced that Stephen Green is the inaugural winner of the Alexander Forbes MSA Marshal of the Year Award.

Green, from Faversham in Kent, shot to prominence around the world last summer when he tackled the track invader during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

This prestigious new award is designed to recognise excellence from any discipline of motor sport and enjoys generous support from the MSA's insurance broker, Alexander Forbes. Stephen will be presented with a prestigious trophy and a ?250 cash prize at the Motor Sports Association's Night of Champions on Friday 16th January 2004.

Stephen Green is an active and popular race marshal at the grades of Observer and Incident Officer with the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) in the South East region, principally officiating at his home circuit of Brands Hatch, and also performs those same duties for the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), the British Motor Racing Marshals Club (BMRMC) and the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC).

Seen at the circuits most weekends, Stephen's contribution to marshalling extends well beyond his track activities. He is a major moderating influence on the Marshals Forum website, and an active recruiter of new marshals. Outside his work for a London investment bank, he still finds time to man stands at local shows to promote marshalling.

Allan Dean-Lewis, head of external affairs at the Motor Sports Association, comments: "Stephen's act of great bravery was broadcast on the world stage and highlighted the professional way in which British marshals conduct their volunteer role. What really impressed the awards panel was that during subsequent media interviews Stephen did not seek any self-glorification, but chose to use the opportunity to promote marshalling to a broader audience, with a view to recruiting new blood into the sport."

Roy Whitney, a popular and active rally marshal from South Wales, receives a Highly Commended certificate for his sterling efforts at local, regional and national level.

"Entry to the first stage of the competition was by nomination from one of the MSA Regional Associations or the British Motorsport Marshals Club," continues Dean-Lewis. "The awards panel was impressed with the extensive marshalling commitment shown by all the nominees which reflected well on the important link between marshalling and safety on all types of motorsport events. The panel felt that the announcement of a Highly Commended certificate to underpin the announcement of a worthy overall winner was very appropriate."