This year’s Jack Sears Trophy champion will not only walk away with the huge and prestigious JST silverware, but will also be rewarded with a brand new Stilo ST5 Carbon crash helmet thanks to www.nickygrist.com.

After a change to the JST rules for 2015, this year’s competition is open rookie drivers only and will see nine racers battling for honours.

The Jack Sears Trophy burst onto the scene in 2013 with Lea Wood becoming the inaugural winner before Dave Newsham took the crown a year later. Not only is there the prestige of winning a prize – named after the first ever BTCC champion – but also the size and stature of the brand new trophy.

Now in 2015 the JST champion will enjoy even greater bragging rights as he’ll not only add a trophy to his cabinet but also an all-new Stilo ST5 Carbon crash helmet – worth more than £1000 – which has been hailed a ‘game changer’ by leading lights in the industry.

Developed after meticulous and inexhaustible research for perfection, the Stilo ST5 pushes the standards of safety and quality and is now the benchmark for all professional competitors. The Snell approved version, built from the best carbon and kevlar materials is lighter, uses a smaller shell, and has increased vision, comfort and aerodynamics.

Supplier of the additional prize – Nicky Grist Motorsports Limited – has become one of the leading wholesalers of quality motorsport products. Grist ­– the former rally co-driver – won multiple WRC events during an illustrious career, including the 2002 Safari Rally, which remains the last WRC victory by an all-British crew.

Now focussing on his own business at www.nickygrist.com, the man himself will be on hand to present the prize at the BTCC’s glittering annual awards ceremony this coming November.

Power Maxed Racing’s Josh Cook currently leads the standings after a sensational performance at Donington Park last time out. The young gun reached the JST summit after taking over from his old Clio Cup adversary, Mike Bushell, who topped the table after Brands Hatch.

With 24 of the 30 rounds still remaining, however, it is quite literally anyone’s title at this early stage, and with the added prize announced today it is sure to add extra incentive to all competitors.

Nicky Grist said: “I am delighted to offer the winner of the 2015 Jack Sears Trophy a brand new, industry leading, Stilo ST5 Carbon helmet.

“It is a privilege to be involved in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and to be able to award the series’ top rookie of 2015 with this additional prize is an honour for me and everyone involved in Nicky Grist Motorsports Limited.”