Organisers of the Retro Rallycross Challenge have announced that their end of season Trophy for Retro Rallycross Driver of the year is to be renamed as the ' John Button Memorial Trophy'.

John, who sadly passed away at his home in the South of France from a suspected heart attack on 12 January, was a regular and popular Rallycross driver in the 1970's and 1980's.

Upgrading as most competitors did, from Autocross to Rallycross, Button was very competitive in his so-called Colorado Beetle that was prepared and Sponsored by his VW-Audi dealership Autoconti of Trowbridge. The team had their best achievements' in 1976 when John finished runner-up in the Embassy RAC-MSA British Rallycross Championship and the TEAC Lydden Championship.

In more recent years John became a popular figure within Formula One and well known to viewers throughout the world as he supported son Jenson, in his Formula One career.

Giving his approval, former F1 Champion Jenson Button said '' I think this is a lovely idea, I am happy to have my Father's name honoured in this way''.

Launched in 2012, the Ripla Retro Rallycross Challenge, that was created to see the return of the types of cars that John would have raced against, has been an instant success and has steadily grown to become one of the biggest classes within the MSA British Rallycross Championship. The series is expected to introduce yet more cars to the retro grids for 2014. The team will also race outside of the UK for the first time when they contest round 2 at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands on 13 April.

Series creator and Team Principal Shirley Gibson said '' I was pleased when Jenson gave his support to the idea. John was a lovely man, and it gives me pleasure to be able to mark his role in Rallycross in this way''.

The 2014 Ripla Retro Rallycross Challenge will run alongside all 6 rounds of the MSA British Rallycross Championship. For more details visit www.retrorallycross.com.

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