British bike racing legend Ron Haslam was last night presented with the Lifetime Achievement award at a glittering Derbyshire Sports ceremony, backed by the Derby Telegraph, at the Roundhouse in Derby.

Ron, just back from a trip to Japan where his son Leon had been racing, received the trophy from televison commentator Gary Newbon and Sam Rush, the chief executive of Derby County Football Club.

Newbon, who had covered many of Ron's races, particularly at Donington Park, reflected on a man who had won British and World titles, competed in the fast lane of Grand Prix for a decade and won at the Isle of Man TT - not a bad pedigree for a man who had been less than genuine about his age when he applied for his first racing licence - the age limit was 16, Ron was only 15!

"The Rocket came from my fast getaways - we had to push the bikes, get them going, and I was quick - I could beat Barry Sheene inito the first corner, but not always in the race," Ron said with a smile.  And there was the TT victory that wasn't.  "I led the race all of the way through, was a minute clear but when I went to the awards ceremony, they said I was actually second, with the result going to Graeme Crosby who had started the race later than his startng slot."  That prompted Honda's Black Bike protest in the remaining races of the 1981 event

Ron avenged that disappointment by winning the race the following year, all part of a hugely successful career ahead of him founding and running his race-school at Donington Park, helping the careers of aspiring riders, and still on track himself showing that familliar, fast riding style.  And, he still has the time to help his son Leon with his racing, all amid a happy family atmosphere with his success at the Awards night enjoyed by his proud wife Anne and daughter-in-law Oli.