The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has introduced a new annual award to its prestigious portfolio.

The ‘BTCC Engineer of the Year’ award will recognise the achievement of the Chief Engineer behind the Championship winning car.

An impressive carbon fibre, machined alloy and laser engraved trophy is being designed, produced and donated by BTCC technical partner, S.P.A. Design, and will be awarded to the inaugural winner at the TOCA Awards which will be held at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 26 November.

BTCC Series Director, Alan Gow, said: “I'm delighted to introduce this new award for 2016 and beyond. Whilst drivers and teams are recognised through the extensive titles on offer in the BTCC, I felt it was right to also acknowledge the great work of the top performing chief engineer. Motor racing isn’t just about the driver, it's a team sport and the chief engineer's role is absolutely key in providing a winning car.

“The BTCC, as the pinnacle of British motor sport, boasts engineers of the highest calibre. This award will hopefully go to also serve as an inspiration to those involved and motivate them to continue developing and innovating further. We look forward to awarding the ‘BTCC Engineer Of The Year’ - and, given how incredibly closely fought the BTCC is this year, whoever wins this award will have richly deserved it.”