A PROFESSIONAL motorsports commentator from Swindon proved he can talk the talk by scooping a top award.

Chris Dawes has been named Commentator of the Year 2019 by motorsports radio station Downforce Radio, which broadcasts from events all over Europe and has listeners all over the world.

Mr Dawes began his commentating career at Wiltshire’s Castle Combe circuit and has just completed his eighth professional year of commentating.

He said: "I am really thrilled and honoured to have been given this recognition. I have always loved motorsports and feel like I am like a fan who’s got into the commentary box and locked the door so I can’t be taken out.

“I think what makes me most proud is being told that despite there being thousands in the crowd at some of the events, such as 30-40,000 spectators of the American Speedfest at Brands Hatch each June, people say they still feel like I am talking directly to them.

"The whole experience, let alone it now being my profession, is such an incredible honour and so much fun, and I thank Downforce for such a humbling award and their words during the live event.”

As well as being known as the voice of Castle Combe, he commentates and presents at events held at circuits across the world, including UK venues like Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Snetterton, Oulton Park, and Cadwell Park.

This is the second accolade that Mr Dawes has recently received. In 2018, he was runner up in the Commentator of the Year category in the annual awards run by Motorsport Media, which broadcasts Motorsport Radio.

He first fell in love with motorsports as a child, when he visited the races at Castle Combe with his father.

He was encouraged by his wife Claire to apply for a commentator’s role and has never looked back, adding voiceover artist, live event host, and radio/podcast presenter to his CV as a result.

In addition to Chris’s dulcet tones being heard at the venues, he also adds his humorous and inclusive style to live worldwide online feeds, highlights programmes on television, and black-tie awards nights.

When he's not in the commentary box, Mr Dawes runs his own business Open Dawes Training which provides CPD-accredited public speaking and presentation training as well as media training for sportspeople.

For more information, visit chrisdawescomms.co.uk