YORK'S James Thompson crowned a great year when he was named National Racing Driver of the Year at the Autosport Awards in London.

Commentator Murray Walker presented the Paul Warwick Trophy to Thompson, who won the British Touring Car Championship for the second time in his career this year, at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Thompson won most votes from the readers of Autosport magazine and his name is added to the roll of honour for winners of the award which include David Coulthard, Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert.

Thompson pipped VX Racing team-mate Yvan Muller to the BTCC title by one point in the final round of the championship. Next season Thomson will be racing in the World Touring Car Championship.

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, December 08, 2004