Record-breaking 2024 ROKiT British F4 champion Deagen Fairclough has been named as Motorsport News’ National Racing Driver of the Year.
Voted for by the public, this accolade is a well-deserved one for the Hitech Pulse-Eight driver, following his dominant 14 race wins, 22 podiums and 19 fastest laps which helped him seal the title with five races to spare.
The special bumper issue of Motorsport News includes a feature on Fairclough’s award win – get your digital copy here or find out where it’s stocked near you.
Reflecting on the award and his season as a whole, 18-year-old Fairclough said: “2024 has been an incredible year for me, one I’ll never forget.
“To win the British F4 drivers’ title, and set new records, is a dream come true and to now be voted at Motorsport News Racing Driver of the Year is unbelievable!
“None of this would have been possible without the support of ROKiT and its Racing Star programme and, of course, Hitech who have prepared a fantastic car all season and provided the environment for me to be able to perform and develop.
“I can’t thank ROKiT and Hitech enough for all their help and support so far and, as I step up to GB3 next season, I look forward to rewarding their faith in me on the racetrack.”
Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman of ROKiT, added: “Deagen’s achievements in single-seater career cannot be underestimated.
“His performances in British F4 this season have been truly incredible and it’s very exciting for Deagen’s success to be rewarded with these prestigious awards, particularly as the Motorsport News Racing Driver of the Year is chosen through a public vote.
“All of us at ROKiT take great satisfaction in seeing how Deagen has absolutely seized his chance to race in F4 having won the inaugural ROKiT Racing Star esports competition and we’re continuing to back him as he steps up to the GB3 Championship next year, again with Hitech GP.”
Fairclough earned his breakthrough into F4 after winning the ROKiT Racing Star esports ‘sim-to-circuit’ competition and then went on to claim third place in his first British F4 campaign in 2023, driving with JHR Developments, before moving across to Hitech GP for 2024.
