Empire Racing Cars
Jason Tunnicliffe competing in his blue Empire Evo 3
← The Empire family

Chosen by fellow Empire drivers

DRIVER OF
THE YEAR

More than a trophy. An annual celebration of performance, commitment and the paddock spirit that makes the Empire community special.

2026

Empire Driver of the Year 2026

JASON
TUNNICLIFFE

Voted for by his fellow Empire drivers after a superb season, Jason Tunnicliffe is the Empire Driver of the Year for 2026.

The award brings a fantastic year of racing to a close and recognises the performance, commitment and team spirit Jason brought to the Empire paddock.

Jason thanked his fellow team-mates and competitors, Bill and Ron for their support and development work, and Holeshot Racing for engine, software and data support. Everyone at Empire is looking forward to seeing what 2027 brings.

Watch the moment Bill announces Jason as the 2026 winner. Watch on Facebook ↗

What the award represents

01

Performance

Results, personal bests and the determination to keep finding speed.

02

Commitment

The work behind the scenes and the effort to compete throughout the season.

03

Camaraderie

Sharing knowledge, helping fellow owners and strengthening the Empire paddock.

First presented in 2017

ROLL OF
HONOUR.

The names engraved on the Empire Driver of the Year trophy record the drivers whose performance, commitment and contribution to the Empire paddock stood out to their fellow competitors.

  1. Ben StephensonFirst recipient
  2. Zach Zammit
  3. Chris Aspinall
  4. No awardCOVID-19
  5. Clive Austin
  6. Tim Tulie
  7. Emma Rayson
  8. Tom Weaver
  9. Gary Warren
  10. Jason TunnicliffeCurrent holder
Gary Warren competing in his orange Empire racing car

Empire Driver of the Year 2025

GARY
WARREN

Gary was recognised by his fellow Empire drivers for commitment, camaraderie and a season that took him across England, Scotland and Ireland. His willingness to compete wherever the challenge led—and to press on in conditions that tested both driver and car—made a lasting impression throughout the paddock.

Commitment. Camaraderie. A season without borders.

Competition with community

ONE MARQUE.
ONE SUPPORTIVE
FAMILY.

Empire ownership extends beyond the car. Drivers benefit from an active private WhatsApp group where experience, ideas and practical support are shared throughout the season.

Bill and the Empire team also provide manufacturer support at many hillclimbs and sprints, helping owners make the most of their cars while preserving the friendly atmosphere for which the marque is known.

Meet the Empire drivers