Brackley-based racing team BGMSport received this year's Hannu Mikkola Award for its long-standing contribution to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Named after 1983 World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola, the award coincides with BGMSport's 20th anniversary of participating in the event continuously since the opening of the Forest Rally Circuit in 2006. The award was presented by the Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox, at a ceremony in front of Goodwood House.
Twenty-Year Coronation
Team owner Ian Gwynne accepted the award on behalf of the team, emphasizing that this success wasn't limited to the 2025 event. Gwynne stated, “This is our 20th anniversary in Goodwood; therefore, this award is a testament to both what we've accomplished this year and the accumulated experience of the last 20 years.” BGMSport boasts a collection of modern and classic racing cars spanning over 70 years, including vehicles owned by DirtFish owner Steve Rimmer. The team brings at least a double-digit number of cars to each event, and Goodwood preparations add approximately two months to their workshop schedule.
Gwynne also spoke about the names they've brought to the track over the years: “A decade and a half ago we were bringing Markko Märtin and Ott Tänak; today we have Alister, Max and Jimmy McRae, and Bruno Thiry,” she said. This year's event also held special meaning for Gwynne's daughter, Jess: Jess Gwynne drove a 1992 Subaru Legacy for the first time; then, customer Steve Gallagher handed Jess a McRae Mk2 Escort on Saturday, saying, “The car is yours, go have fun.”.
Praise from Duke, thanks from Gwynne to her team.
The Duke of Richmond described BGMSport as “this year’s most deserving candidate.” Speaking to the crowd gathered in front of Goodwood House, the Duke said, “This year’s Hannu Mikkola Award goes to the person who has played an indispensable role year after year in making the Forest Rally Circuit a success, bringing an extraordinary collection of rally cars and presenting them to the highest standard. The entire team generously dedicates their time and effort to providing our guests with unforgettable experiences.”.
Gwynne described Duke's speech as "incredible," but directed his main praise to his colleagues: "They never let me down, never," he said. Specifically mentioning his clients Steve Rimmer, Calum MacLeod, and Steve Gallagher among the team owners, Gwynne stated, "When I say team, I don't just mean the people working at the company; all our clients are part of this team." Having participated in 20 consecutive Goodwood Festival of Speed events, BGMSport is expected to be there again in 2027. Gwynne left no doubt about this: "It would be a shame not to come," he said.