That was the positive statement from Prime Minister David Thompson regarding one of this country's most popular sporting fraternities, as he performed his first task since taking over the driver's seat of Government.

The occasion was the Motoring Club's annual awards presentation at The Boatyard on Sunday night, a few hours after Thompson's new Cabinet was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands at Kensington Oval.

The Prime Minister presented champion driver Paul "The Surfer" Bourne with the Motoring News Sports Personality Of The Year trophy during the ceremony.

Thompson, who is also a resident of St Philip, said his Government supported motorsport and was hoping to meet with those involved to see how it fits in with Government's plans.

"I see the numbers and my daughters always go to Bushy Park when there are meets there," the Prime Minister said.

New Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy presented Bourne with the Champion Driver's Trophy. The driver amassed 81 points for the season, 15 more than his nearest rival Josh Read, who ended with 66 and placed second. (TT)