Eastwood wins Motorsport Ireland’s Sexton Trophy

World Endurance Championship racer Charlie Eastwood has won the prestigious Sexton Trophy.

The 23-year-old was a finalist last year for the Motorsport Ireland award that recognises the achievements of young Irish drivers. He is third in the WEC GTE Am standings after three podiums in a TF Sport-run Aston Martin.

The 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion beat fellow finalists Irish Supercar runner-up Cameron Fenton and F2000 runner-up James Roe Jr to win the 50,000 euro (£44,600) cash prize the award brings.

“It’s massive, it’s great to get the recognition – I went for it last year and was a finalist but unfortunately didn’t get the award,” said Eastwood. “It’s great to get it this year, it’s great timing and looking back on some of the past winners and to be in the same category [is good]. “There’s still three more rounds to go [of the WEC] and we’re most definitely in the hunt for the championship. It’s still somewhat surreal when you’re in the drivers briefing and you’re in some pretty special company with ex-f1 drivers and some of the best GT drivers in the world. “I’m trying to get another programme in place for next year because you’ve got to be in the car [as much as possible]. This award is another thing to put on the CV.”