An outstanding Welsh motorcycle racer and a successful car dealer group have been presented with Welsh Motoring Writers’ top awards.
Chaz Davies, a native of Presteigne, called time on his competitive career in World Superbikes at the end of 2021 after achieving many accolades since beginning at the age of eight in 1995.
Many of his most impressive performances came when he was riding a non-factory motorcycles, although he dominated the Supersport World Championship in 2011, winning half the seasons races.
He was a force to be reckoned with after switching to World Superbikes, and although a championship win in that category eluded him, he was a frequent race winner, points scorer and championship runner-up.
Chaz, who is now contemplating his next steps away from the saddle said: “I’m honoured to receive the Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy. It came completely out of the blue. During my career, the results you pick up on the way and the other accolades are not exactly expected but you have an idea of what’s coming if you work hard at it.
“This one from Welsh Motoring Writers means a lot and to gain recognition from my own people is a great feeling. Thanks to everyone for the recognition.”
Gravells Motors is no stranger to success, even under recent challenges for the automotive sector in the UK and across the world. The automotive retailer group has picked up a number of customer service awards in recent years and is a previous winner of the Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy.
Gravells Motors has a presence across South Wales with a number of brands, including Renault, Dacia, SEAT and Kia. In 2021, Gravells opened its sixth Kia site across the English border in Hereford.
Accepting the award at the company’s newest retail site Gravells Kia Hereford, Jonathan Gravell, managing director at Gravells Motors, said: “It’s a great pleasure and a delight to receive this award. All Gravells staff work tirelessly to put our customers front and centre of the business, so to achieve this award means a huge amount not only to me but to the entire Gravells family of dealerships.
“This award is especially humbling, following the unprecedented circumstances over the past couple of years. I thank all the Welsh Motoring Writers for this outstanding recognition.”
Welsh Motoring Writers chair Simon Harris said: “Chaz has been a tremendous competitor in his track career, as well as a great ambassador for Wales.
“Now he has decided to move on from his competitive motorcycling career, we thought it was appropriate to mark his achievements with the awarding of our most prestigious honour, and we look forward to seeing where his career path leads from here.”
“Gravells has been a valuable partner for all the automotive brands it has represented in South Wales for many years, including Kia UK.
“Family businesses such as Gravells thrive on loyalty and word of mouth helping retain clients and reach new ones, and this can only be done through excellent customer service. This is at the heart of how Jonathan Gravell runs the business.
“The fact that Gravells Motors recently gained a foothold across the border in England with Kia, although remarkable, should be no surprise. “Jonathan is a very worthy recipient of the 2021 Terry Davies Automotive Award.”
Main Photo Caption: Terry Davies Automotive Award winner Jonathan Gravell
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