HOOK racing driver Archie Hamilton has been granted full membership to the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) in recognition of his racing achievements at international level.

Full membership is a lifetime award with Hamilton, main picture, joining the 850 members including Formula One legends Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Nigel Mansell, John Surtees and Sir Stirling Moss.

Stuart Pringle, BRDC secretary, said: “Archie’s success in racing is such that he achieved the very high standard that is needed to apply for membership of the club.

“To achieve full membership is like being capped for England in rugby or cricket.

“It’s a thoroughly independent endorsement of his talent.”

Hamilton said: “I would like to thank the BRDC for making me a full member and Stuart for his kind words.

“To be a full member is amazing. It is a great honour to be selected.

“I know my grandfather (Le Mans winner Duncan Hamilton) would have been thrilled.

“My father is an associate member and I owe my career to him. Without his support, I wouldn’t have got here.

“I will continue to do my best to prove to him and the BRDC that I am a worthy member and I hope to be delivering race wins for many years to come.”

Hamilton wrapped up his season with two top 10 finishes in his Corvette in the final two races of the International GT Open season.

He came ninth in race one in Barcelona and was fifth in his second outing, which placed him third in the Super GT class.

The results saw the Hook driver finish sixth overall in the driver standings in the Super GT class.

Talking about the season, Hamilton said: “This year has been tough at times but the second half of the season brought some real highlights.”