'My OBE recognises Silverstone's economic impact'

The chief executive of Silverstone said he was "shocked" to be appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King's New Year Honours.

Stuart Pringle, who has worked at the race circuit in Northamptonshire for 20 years, was given an OBE for services to motorsport and the economy.

Mr Pringle said the award recognised the wider transformation of Silverstone and its importance and economic impact to the UK.

"I'm just so grateful that what's happened at Silverstone is being observed at a senior level," he said.

"A lot of people earn a living from this industry, and that cluster radiates from Silverstone and exists in this part of the country," he added.

"I lasted three days before I told my wife," he added.

"That's 50% her credit. Motorsport is incredibly anti-social - it takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, so from a family perspective she spent 20 years bringing up the children on her own.

"But keeping [the OBE] quiet between us for a month was tortuous," he said.

Silverstone is home to the British Grand Prix, which takes place in July, and is now one of the biggest motorsport events globally.

Under Mr Pringle's leadership, Silverstone has evolved from hosting a small number of major race weekends to the site being used for conferences, entertainment events and community activities throughout the year.

Mr Pringle told BBC Radio Northampton's Tom Percival: "It's an honour and I couldn't have imagined it.

"It wouldn't have happened without the dedication of the incredible team here. I'm comfortable that I've played my part... but this is great news for Silverstone.

"We've taken a group of local people and developed them into a world-class operator," Mr Pringle said.

"People from around the world come to see how we do it. We put on a jolly good show. This is so much more than a job."

Silverstone recently ran a drive-through Christmas lights experience and has been preparing to launch its new karting season in February, as well as a car festival over the August bank holiday.

"It's very expensive to run a Grand Prix circuit," Mr Pringle added. "If you rely on one or two weekends a year, the economics don't stack up. We're excited for the year ahead."

Mr Pringle was among about 20 people from Northamptonshire to receive honours.

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