It's that time of year where lists of things abound and winners are announced. To keep in step with the festive season and the requirement to look back over the year to see who has done what, here's my take on the motorsport year and a list of category winners.
After much consultation, well inside my own head really, and with tongue hovering very close to cheek, here are the 2017 notables.
Most Improved - Brendon Hartley
When you're at the bottom of the heap and have talent it's pretty easy to make big leaps up the ranks. However, if you're already a two-time world champion and Le Mans 24 Hour winner, it's damn hard to move the needle much. Hartley took a leap of faith by making a phone call, making the most of a golden opportunity and is now a full time Formula One driver. He always had the talent and now has the mental fortitude to achieve anything he wants.
Most consistent - Earl Bamber
No matter what you stick Bamber in he'll be either winning, on the podium or damn close to it. He, won his second Le Mans 24 Hours and a World Endurance Championship title in 2017. He also raced successfully in GT cars in Asia and America and also the odd stint in Europe long distance races as well as the Bathurst 12 Hour. He's now signed up as Shane van Gisbergen's co-driver for the Pirtek Enduro Cup in 2018 so expect at least one podium in Supercars in 2018.
Most Valuable - Scott Dixon
If you want to be in the hunt for a title and have a driver who never gives up, Dixon is your man. He has won at least one IndyCar race each year since 2005 and has only finished outside the top six once since 2006. Despite suffering a massive crash at the Indy 500 this year, and being taken out in the following race, Dixon still managed to finish third in the 2017 season and was in hunt for a fifth title right until the last race.
