Four time BTCC Independent champion Matt Neal has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2003 Midlander of the Year Award, presented annually by ITV’s Carlton News.

Matt is one of seven nominees for this year’s award, and will be profiled today (Wednesday 29 October) on the Carlton Central News programmes at 3.00pm and 6.00pm.

A works driver for Honda Racing in 2003, Matt has not been nominated for his touring car exploits, but instead for his efforts at Rimstock Plc. He has spent nearly two decades working his way up from the paint room to the boardroom at Rimstock, an alloy wheel manufacturer based in West Bromwich. Matt is now Marketing Director for the company and during the week he serves as the company's ambassador, developing strategies and planning exhibitions around the world.

Your chance to vote!

You will have the opportunity to vote for Matt once each of the candidates has been profiled, on Wednesday 19 November. Voting will take place by telephone, email and via the Midlander of the Year website. Further details of how to vote will appear here on BTCCPages.com closer to the time.

Awards Background

The Midlander of the Year Awards look to reward people who have worked to raise the prestige of the Midlands or who have made an outstanding contribution to the social, political, industrial, cultural or sporting life of the region. The overall winner earns the title 'Carlton Midlander of the Year' and additional winners are honoured in a series of categories.

In 2002, the prestigious award was presented to Stephen Westaby, a heart surgeon from Oxford who has saved thousands of lives through his dedication and research. Other winners included athlete Paula Radcliffe and rock musician, Robert Plant.