Now in its ninth consecutive season, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the best automotive books, authors and publishers – and the announcement of the 2022 shortlist proves that this has been a truly vintage year.
The Awards consist of four individual categories, in addition to the overall Royal Automobile Club Book of the Year. This trophy will be awarded to a title in any category that is considered by the judges to stand above every other. In addition, the Graham Robson Trophy will be awarded for Best Debut Author, recognising an outstanding book by a previously unpublished writer.
Simon Taylor, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year committee, said: “The judges had to consider a high number of submissions, with 48 entries representing 22 publishers from around the world – from major houses and independents to self-published authors. The standard has been overwhelming, with an impressive and diverse list of titles across all categories. The judges had a tough time scrutinising each one for originality of subject matter, writing style, depth of research, and quality of illustration and production. Then they had to co-ordinate their findings to select the finalists in each of the four award categories, plus the overall trophy winner.”
As well as revealing the winners on Wednesday 2 November 2022, the Club will also announce the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, to recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution to the UK’s motoring book industry. Its first recipient, in 2019, was John Haynes OBE, creator of the iconic Haynes manuals and founder of the Haynes Publishing Group. More latterly, one of the unsung heroes of the publishing world – Mark Hughes – was recognised. Hughes has long been a reassuringly professional presence for authors and publishers alike, and can be credited for editing more than 700 books during the course of his publishing career.
Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club, said: “Having sat in on the judges’ meeting, it was great to witness such a healthy discussion and debate. The breadth of subjects covered is fascinating – from pre-war Grand Prix teams to overland adventures and legendary coachbuilders. It’s also very exciting to see that publishers from around the world have put their books forward for consideration by our esteemed panel, which proves that this is a globally recognised award.”
The annual awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 from 6pm until 9pm at a special evening held at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse, among guests from the worlds of publishing, motoring and motorsport.
In alphabetical order, the 2022 Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Award finalists are…
Books About Motor Cars & Motoring Costing No More Than £50
Alfa Romeo Alfa Sud: The Complete Story by Chris Martin, published by The Crowood Press, priced £25
Silver Arrows: The Story of Mercedes-Benz in Motor Sport by Andrew Noakes, published by The Crowood Press, priced £25
Trans-Africa Land-Rover: The Story of Philip Kohler and his Epic Overland Adventure by Martin Port, published by Porter Press International, priced £30
Books About Motor Cars & Motoring With No Price Limit
Bentley Continental: The Genesis by Davide Bassoli, published by Nubes Argentea, priced £180
Fit for a King: The Royal Garage of the Shahs of Iran by Borzou Sepasi, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books, priced £110
Marcel Pourtout: Carrossier by Jon Pressnell, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books, priced £110
Books On A Motor Sporting Subject Costing No More Than £50
Al Unser Jr. A Checkered Past by Al Unser Jr & Jade Gurss, published by Octane Press, priced £30
Racing Green: How Motorsport Science Can Save the World by Kit Chapman, published by Bloomsbury, priced £20
WRC 50: The Story of the World Rally Championship 1973-2022 by Markus Stier, published by McKlein Media GmbH & Co KG, priced £44
Books On A Motor Sporting Subject With No Price Limit
956 001: Creating a Legend by Thomas Nehlert, published by Sportfahrer Verlags GmbH, priced £175
Maserati A6GCS by Walter Bäumer and Jean-François Blachette, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books, priced £140
Strictly No Admittance: The Inside Story Of The ‘Lightweight’ E-type And The XK Engine Which Powered It – The Last Works-Built Jaguar To Race At Le Mans by Peter D Wilson, published by PJ Publishing, priced £95
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