One of the unsung heroes of the motor racing world has been recognised.  Rab MacDonald was presented with the Jim Clark Memorial Award for 2008 in recognition of his commitment to the sport.

In a career spanning more than four decades Rab has travelled the world as the MSA Scrutineer and FIA Technical Delegate.  Alongside his wife Sheila, Rab from Lasswade, near Edinburgh, was presented with the trophy at a ceremony in Benalup, Spain, on Saturday night.

Presented annually by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, the award recognises the contributions and achievements of Scots in the world of motoring and motor sport. This year's award ceremony was again sponsored by the Ford Motor Company for whom Jim Clark drove in the early '60s in Ford Cosworth powered Formula 1 cars and also in the British Touring Car Championship.

From gaining his Scrutineer's apprentice ticket in 1961 Rab has become one of the UK's top technical officials.  He is also the first Scot to become an FIA Technical Delegate working for motor sport's world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile.

Motor sport depends on volunteer officials and scrutineers are not the most liked of these officials since they have to determine whether a car presented to them is fit for competition or not.

As an FIA Technical Delegate Rab officiates at events as far afield as Jordan and Japan.  He can also be asked to travel to foreign countries at short notice to check eligibility issues when an independent opinion is required.  Bill Caven, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: "The whole essence of the award is to recognise worthy recipients who contribute time and energy to the industry.

"Previous winners have included Sir Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard and Allan McNish, so Rab is joining an impressive list. However, he thoroughly deserves this honour having committed more than 47 years to the sport and officiated at more than 4,000 events.  When Rab was nominated it was obvious that the award was thoroughly deserved."

After the presentation near the Jerez motor racing circuit, Rab said: "It's a true honour to receive this award, not just because of the name on the trophy, but also because of all those who have won it before me. I accept it on behalf of all those amateur unpaid officials throughout the UK who give up so much of their own time at weekends to help organise the greatest sport in the world."