The keys to a brand new Porsche 911 sports coupe were presented to Oxfordshire’s Tim Harvey for winning the 2008 Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship.

Cheques for more than £60,000 in end-of-season prize money were also handed out at the annual awards dinner at Whittlebury Hall hotel near Silverstone.

Harvey admitted it had been a tough year as he battled to beat Michael Caine to the overall title.

"It was one of those epic years," he said after collecting his awards from Geoff Turral, General Manager Marketing, Porsche Cars GB. "It's been a fantastic year and we had to work very hard for the title," said Harvey, before confirming plans to defend his crown in 2009. "I have every intention of coming back again next year!"

The awards for second and third overall in the championship were presented to Caine and Sam Hancock, while Tony Gilham was presented with the award for runner-up in Pro-Am1. In the Pro-Am2 category, Glynn Geddie and Tommy Dreelan collected their awards.

In the Teams' Championship, Team Parker Racing won the top award, with Jota Sport in second and Red Line Racing third. "To win the Team Championship was very hard this year," said Stuart Parker. "The competition has been really strong."

Two special awards were also presented and it was Charles Bateman who was announced as winner of the 'Most Improved Driver of the Year' award. Meanwhile, a new THB Clowes Mechanics' Award of £3000 went to the crew at Team Parker Racing.

Finally, the BARC Marshals' Fund benefited by £2,000 from the raffle organised during the evening.