Bedford’s own legendary motor racer, Nick Tandy has added to an already burgeoning trophy cabinet with perhaps the most prestigious prize of his professional career after being awarded the Segrave Trophy at a special ceremony at the RAC Club in central London.
Tandy, who became the first person in motorsport history to claim endurance racing’s ‘Grand Slam’ in January, is the latest recipient of the trophy, named after Sir Henry Segrave who was the first person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously.
The endurance racing Grand Slam includes the world famous Le Mans, which Tandy won in 2015, alongside the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24-hour endurance races at Nürburgring and Spa.
Read: Bedford’s Nick Tandy becomes first ever to win ‘Grand Slam’ of endurance races
Just months later, Tandy had also won the ‘Triple Crown’, which saw his 12 Hours of Sebring triumph land alongside the Daytona 24 and Le Mans, and his achievements in the sport have now been recognised by the Royal Automobile Club.
Read: Bedford’s Nick Tandy wins motorsport’s Triple Crown after Sebring triumph
While Sir Henry Segrave is remembered for his speed across land and sea, the Segrave Trophy expands to an “individual or team who demonstrates outstanding skill and courage on land, water, in the air or in space”, leaving Tandy in unique company.
First awarded to Australian, Charles Kingsford Smith in 1930 for crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland to Newfoundland, the Segrave Trophy has since been awarded to names such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Lewis Hamilton.
“Truly humbled”
Tandy, who has enjoyed another successful year with his Porsche Penske Motorsport team, commented on the award, saying he was “truly humbled” to win but also paid tribute to the wider Porsche team for their support.
“Endurance racing is a team sport, and these victories belong as much to my teammates, engineers, mechanics, and supporters as they do to me,” said Tandy.
“To be recognised by the Royal Automobile Club is a huge honour, and I am truly humbled. I hope my journey inspires others to chase their racing dreams.”
The accolade was awarded by a name that Formula One fans will be familiar with in Martin Brundle, who is another former winner of the Segrave Trophy in 1988.
The chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, Duncan Wiltshire also added his praise.
“Nick Tandy exemplifies the very qualities that the Segrave Trophy represents.
“His unique quartet of victories at Le Mans, Nürburgring, Spa and Daytona is a feat few could even dream of, let alone achieve.
“Nick’s remarkable career places him firmly among Britain’s motorsport greats and cements his status as a true international racing icon. We are delighted to honour him with this prestigious award.”
Tandy currently sits in fourth place in the latest IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, behind regular team mate Felipe Nasr, Mathieu Jaminet and series leader, Matt Campbell, all of whom race for Porsche Penkse, although only 12 points separate the top four.
The next event in the series takes place this weekend (from 1 August) at the Motul Sports Car Grand Prix taking place at the Road America track in Plymouth, Wisconsin in the United States.
