The driving force behind the campaign to create the fastest car in the world, Richard Noble, presented the three prizes to the Midlands Quality Awards winners.

The Midlands is at the heart of the success of the ThrustSSC project. Many Coventry firms manufactured vital parts of the vehicle - such as wheels, brakes, suspension and steering gear. Coventry University played a crucial role, liaising with manufacturers and providing specialist design input.

Richard Noble, who broke the land speed record himself 15 years ago in Thrust II, chose Atherstone born RAF fighter pilot Andy Green to achieve his dream.

That dream was realised in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada on October 15,1997, when ThrustSSC blasted the sound barrier with a new world land speed record of 763mph.

Chief executive of Midlands Excellence John Kirk said:

"Richard Noble's determination to beat his own world record mirrors the drive to succeed of companies across the region. It is appropriate that a man with such drive and passion should pass on some of his enthusiasm to those driving forward industry and commerce in the Midlands."