SPARKLING NIGHT CELEBRATES SKILLS, STARS AND SPECTACLE…
SPARKLING NIGHT CELEBRATES SKILLS, STARS AND SPECTACLE… The winners of the 2025 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards are revealed The Royal Automobile Club celebrated the very best of Britain’s historic motoring and motorsport worlds last night at a glittering evening in its Pall Mall clubhouse to present the latest winners of the Club’s annual Historic Awards. From major names to unsung heroes, the sold-out event welcomed a tremendous breadth of individuals and organisations from the UK’s historic automotive sector, as Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie presided over the evening. Several of the prestigious historic trophies of which the Club is a custodian, including the British Grand Prix Trophy, Tourist Trophy and Torrens Trophy, adorned tables in the magnificent Mountbatten Room, shining reminders of the Royal Automobile Club’s long pedigree in recognising excellence. This was a year in which the independent judging panels reported an exceptionally high standard of entries across the board, resulting in lengthy debates to produce the shortlists, and even tougher discussions to select the ultimate winners. The recipient of the Club’s Lifetime Achievement award – the one award not decided by the judges – is a motorcycling legend, Sammy Miller MBE. Sammy’s global success in multiple motorcycle disciplines includes an astonishing 1482 Trials event victories, 11 successive British Trials Championships, five Scottish Six Day Trial titles, the Irish Motocross Championship title and numerous Irish road racing victories. This record alone makes him a worthy recipient of this award but, in a career spanning eight decades, Sammy has another extraordinary achievement: the acclaimed Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. Home to some 500 rare and exotic machines, it draws vast numbers of motorbike fans from around the world to New Milton in Hampshire. Now aged 92, Sammy has never rested on his laurels; he continues to restore rare motorcycles in his workshops, attends a huge range of events, and remains an active rider. The judges in the Outstanding Journalism category had no fewer than 40 magazine articles to assess, with Lead Judge, AutocarEditor-in-Chief Steve Cropley, noting that the standard not only of writing but also of research was simply remarkable this year. Nowhere was this better exemplified than in the winning feature by Dan Cogger, ‘Lucky Number 13’, published in The Automobile. This documented the previously untold story of a Jaguar C-type that spent most of its long life out of the spotlight yet was a class winner at Pebble Beach this year. The Young Achiever award (supported by StarterMotor) turns the spotlight on to those individuals aged 30 and under already proving the future of the historic motoring and motorsport world to be in safe hands. The winner, trimmer Samantha Ruff, demonstrates outstanding creative and organisational skill in her role with Harry Fraser Vehicle Upholstery, and reminds us that a love for historic machines is often shared within families – her twin sister Cat was the 2024 Young Achiever! The judges, led by historic motorsport competitor and event organiser Vanessa Marçais, said that Sammy’s career to date represents exactly the contribution to historic motoring from a young person they were looking for. Headed by lead judge Sarah Bennett-Baggs – founder of AutoAddicts.com and a classic biker and racing driver – the jury in Personal Endeavour (supported by MOTUL) voted unanimously for the late Julian Grimwade as their winner. A tremendously popular stalwart of the Veteran Sports Car Club, who also gave decades of service to the Bentley Drivers’ Club, Julian was a significant figure at Brooklands. His untimely passing this year saw the world of pre-war motoring lose a champion of heritage in action. The 2025 panel for the Innovation category (supported by SUSTAIN and Federation Skills Trust) had a brilliantly diverse set of nominations to consider before selecting the Equipe Super Sprint as its winner. Lead Judge Lizzie Pope, Associate Editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine, commented that the new event format turns the idea of a race meeting on its head to give drivers who have never previously been in contention for a podium finish a chance of glory. Knockhill’s star-studded International McRae Rally Festival took top honours in Competitive Event (supported by Piper-Heidsieck). The judges, led by motor racing commentator Ian Titchmarsh, described it as ‘a wonderful celebration of not just Colin and the rest of the McRae family, but also the best of Scottish motorsport.’ The 20th edition of Salon Privé was the winner of Motoring Spectacle (supported by RM Sotheby’s). Lead Judge Alastair Clements, Editor-in-Chief of Classic & Sports Car magazine, noted that this celebration of motoring culture brought together collectors, restorers, manufacturers and enthusiasts from across the globe. The judges particularly praised the new Automotive Gallery, a spectacular display structure built from 1,206 panes of glass and covering 4,460m sq. With Lead Judge Allan Winn, Vice President of Brooklands Museum, at the helm, the judges in Museums & Collections (supported by Lockton) went on a highly enjoyable road trip to visit all three finalists before selecting the British Motor Museum as their winner. The Museum impressed for its focus on young people and education over the past year. There was a road trip too for the Restoration jury. Headed by journalist, commentator and author Simon Taylor, they made their way to category partner Bicester Motion to put the three finalist cars through their paces and quiz the restorers. They were ultimately won over by the glorious 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Boulogne (Simon Kidston/Jonathan Wood Ltd), which they agreed was perhaps the most exceptional restoration they’d ever seen, resulting in the complete rebirth of a massive, elegant 8-litre sports saloon which in its day was one of the fastest cars on the road. Commenting on the evening, Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “I have simply the greatest admiration for all the winners here tonight. In their own contrasting and compelling ways, they truly enrich Britain’s historic motoring scene. Many congratulations from everyone at this Club, where we continue to make more motoring history every year. “We offer a home
THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB CONCOURS – BUILDING ON SUCCESS IN 2026
THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB CONCOURS – BUILDING ON SUCCESS IN 2026 The Royal Automobile Club today announces it will host its summer Concours at the Woodcote Park clubhouse on Wednesday 8 July 2026, following the success of this year’s debut. The inaugural event established a permanent place in the ‘Summer Motor Week’ schedule for Club members, their guests, international collectors and car lovers. Falling in the middle of the week between the British Grand Prix and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Concours will be at the centre of an outstanding celebration of motoring in the UK. The unique Woodcote Park estate made a superb backdrop for the first Concours, which featured some 200 jewels of automotive excellence across three centuries on the fabulous greens and fairways. 2026 will bring all-new concours categories and special displays to celebrate design, sport, key anniversaries and icons. The Club is delighted to announce that the Concours will host the RM Sotheby’s Summer Sale, which will boast a wide selection of exceptional cars. RM Sotheby’s is the leading auction house for fine collectors’ cars and is, of course, a key partner of the Royal Automobile Club and the title sponsor of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, hosting its annual London Sale during the Club’s Motoring Week. Club Chairman Duncan Wiltshire said: “After being many years in planning, our first Concours exceeded all expectations, and was widely acclaimed for its glamorous informality. Plus, of course, some truly sensational cars. “We are committed to making our 2026 Concours even better, with the help of our members and some of the world’s finest car collectors, and we are delighted to be partnering with RM Sotheby’s to help them conduct what promises to be an exceptional auction during the Concours.” Rob Myers, Chief Executive Officer at RM Sotheby’s, added: “The Royal Automobile Club Concours was a great success, with a scale and atmosphere quite different to anything else. Our partnership with the Club is of huge importance to us within the UK market, and I am personally delighted that we will be partnering to deliver an exceptional summer auction to complement the London Sale.”
LONDON MOTOR WEEK 2025
LONDON MOTOR WEEK 2025 Each year, for one remarkable week, the Club comes alive with motoring passion and festivity, celebrating the people, ideas and achievements that shape the motoring world. We were delighted to see so many members embrace this much-loved Club tradition. Throughout the week, we explored British engineering with Dr Andy Palmer and Autocar, celebrated automotive creativity with Ian Callum CBE at the Industry Dinner and admired the artistry of 31 world-leading talents at the Art of Motoring exhibition. The Motoring Lectures then brought together industry experts to discuss the future of UK motorsport, while our London Motor Week Dinner offered fascinating, exclusive insights into Cadillac’s bold F1 debut next year. The excitement spilled outdoors at the weekend with the second St James’s Spectacle on Pall Mall, showcasing 150 cars and cycles in a stunning open-air motor show that attracted thousands of visitors. On Sunday, we concluded with the magical RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, welcoming 340 finishers to sunny Brighton – the perfect finale to another exceptional Motor Week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FBFcwVqcDAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFFQSLRPXhYhttps://youtu.be/YQcyO7jH5sU
LUDVIGSEN’S MASTERPIECE ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINES WINS COVETED ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR
LUDVIGSEN’S MASTERPIECE ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINES WINS COVETED ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR Power Unleashed: Trailblazers who Energised Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging by renowned automotive historian Karl Ludvigsen, and published by Evro Publishing, has been crowned the Royal Automobile Club’s 2025 Motoring Book of the Year. The announcement was made at a special ceremony in central London last night, attended by distinguished motoring and motor racing authors and publishers from around the world. Ludvigsen is one of the world’s most respected automotive historians and authors, whose career has spanned more than six decades. The author, who is 91, has written landmark works on Porsche, Corvette and Mercedes-Benz, and his deep technical knowledge combined with narrative flair has made his books essential reading for enthusiasts and engineers alike. Power Unleashed represents the culmination of Karl Ludvigsen’s lifetime of research into the evolution of supercharging and turbocharging. The three-volume work running to 665,000 words charts how engineers and visionaries revolutionised the performance of cars and aircraft through forced induction. With Ludvigsen’s trademark clarity and authority, the volumes bring complex technologies to life, showing how these power-boosting technologies transformed Grand Prix racing, Le Mans, and everyday motoring. Upon accepting the award, Karl Ludvigsen said “It’s deeply gratifying to see Power Unleashed recognised in this way. Forced induction has fascinated me since I was a student engineer in the 1950s, and this project represents a lifelong journey of discovery. I hope readers will share my admiration for the brilliant minds who turned air and pressure into power. I would like to extend my thanks to Evro Publishing for their belief in this project and their superb work in making it a reality.” Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club, commented “Power Unleashed is a towering achievement and a truly definitive work. It is beautifully produced, deeply researched, and stands as a landmark publication that will serve as an important reference for engineers, historians, and enthusiasts alike. “Here at the Club, we’re proud to recognise such excellence in motoring literature, and we’re grateful to our expert panel of independent judges for their passion, knowledge and dedication. The Book Awards represents our part in encouraging the best new work.” Other books to win on the night (topping categories with and without a £50 price limit) included: Meyers Manx 1964-2024 by Basem Wasef; Joseph Figoni: Le Grand Couturier de la Carrosserie Automobile Vol. II–IV: Bugatti by Peter M. Larsen & Ben Erickson; A.J. Foyt – Vol. 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend by Art Garner and My Travels On Racer Road: Can-Am and Formula 1 in their Golden Age by Pete Lyons. The Graham Robson Award for Best Debut Author was presented to Alejo Pérez Monsalvo for De Tomaso: Racing Blue Blood. The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously awarded to Gordon Cruickshank, celebrating his exceptional influence and enduring contribution to the UK’s motoring and motorsport literary scene. Cruickshank, a name synonymous with integrity and passion, served as Deputy Editor of Motor Sport magazine for more than three decades, and his contribution helped shape the very voice of British motorsport writing. His deep historical knowledge, sharp editorial eye, and unwavering commitment to accuracy earned him immense respect among peers and enthusiasts. Beyond his editorial achievements, Gordon was a tireless advocate for motoring literature, ensuring that the great stories from the golden age of racing to the modern era were told with intelligence, authenticity, and heart. He also triumphed over enormous personal adversity to always remain sparkling company. * * * The Royal Automobile Club awarded four category winners in addition to the overall winner, plus best debut author. All category winners are listed below. The Motoring Book of the Year: Power Unleashed: Trailblazers who Energised Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging By Karl Ludvigsen Evro Publishing, £395.00 Books about motor cars and motoring, costing no more than £50: Meyers Manx 1964-2024 By Basem Wasef Hothouse Media, £49.50 Books about motor cars and motoring, with no price limit: Joseph Figoni: Le Grand Couturier de la Carrosserie Automobile Vol. II–IV: Bugatti By Peter M. Larsen & Ben Erickson Moteurs!, £650.00 Books on a motorsport subject, costing no more than £50.00: A.J. Foyt – Vol. 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend By Art Garner Octane Press, £37.00 Books on a motorsport subject with no price limit: My Travels On Racer Road: Can-Am and Formula 1 in their Golden Age By Pete Lyons Evro Publishing, £70.00 Graham Robson Award for Best Debut Author: De Tomaso: Racing Blue Blood By Alejo Pérez Monsalvo & Marcel Schaub McKlein Media, £295.00 Lifetime Achievement Award: Gordon Cruickshank
LONDON MOTOR WEEK
LONDON MOTOR WEEK Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November London Motor Week is the Club’s flagship seasonal motoring celebration, bringing seven days of motoring events and award ceremonies to the capital and culminating in the inimitable RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday. In 2025, London Motor Week will run from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November. Full event details are below. Autocar Live Podcast Pall Mall, Mountbatten Room Monday 27 October, 6.30-9.00pm For this year’s live edition of My Week in Cars, Steve Cropley and Matt Prior will be joined by automotive designer Ian Callum CBE – responsible for the elusive Jaguar C-X75 and founder of CALLUM – and David Fairbairn, also ex-Jaguar and now managing director at CALLUM. Book now to hear insights on creativity, design and innovation. Book Now Motoring Heritage Collection Pall Mall, The Library Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November For the first time this London Motor Week, explore treasures from our 128-year-old archive. From our coveted trophies to unseen artefacts, through to rare documents and photos, plus a spotlight on 75 years of the British Grand Prix and even the first driving licence. Motoring Industry Dinner Pall Mall, Committee Room Tuesday 28 October, 7.00-10.15pm Our star guest this year is Dr Andy Palmer, described as the ‘Godfather of EVs’ for his work launching the Nissan Leaf. As Aston Martin’s former CEO, he also oversaw the DBX and Valkyrie. Now leading Palmer Automotive and Palmer Energy Technology, he will give a straight-talking view of the industry in conversation with Steve Cropley, followed by a lively Q&A. This event is now sold out. Art of Motoring Exhibition Iconic Images Gallery, Waterloo Place Wednesday 29 October to Saturday 1 November The Club’s Art of Motoring exhibition will again be held in the Iconic Images Gallery, a stone’s throw from the Pall Mall clubhouse. This year’s show promises dozens of artists, with new talent alongside some established ‘old masters’, all of whom will present their latest never-before-displayed work. More Information Motoring Book of the Year Awards Pall Mall, Mountbatten Room Wednesday 29 October, 5.30-9.00pm The Club’s Motoring Book of the Year Awards, one of the world’s leading motoring literary accolades, returns to celebrate the finest work published in the past year. Alongside the award ceremony itself, there will be authors and publishers to meet in person, offering insights to the ‘crafting’ of great books – all over relaxed drinks and canapés. This event is now sold out. Motoring Lectures Pall Mall, Mountbatten Room Thursday 30 October, 9.00am-1.15pm Join us for a day of inspiration and insight, featuring leading voices from across the industry. The morning will dive into the cutting-edge future of motoring, while the afternoon will bring history to life with captivating stories from the golden age of veteran vehicles. Book Now London Motor Week Dinner with Cadillac F1: The Road to 2026 Pall Mall, Mountbatten Room Thursday 30 October, 6.45-10.30pm The clock is ticking for Cadillac Formula 1 as they prepare to join the grid as the eleventh team in 2026. Join us for an exclusive evening with the key figures spearheading the immense challenge of building a new team from scratch: Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, and Pat Symonds, Chief Technical Officer. Hosted by Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie, this promises to be a rare and compelling look into the world’s most demanding sport. This event is now sold out. St James’s Motoring Spectacle Pall Mall Saturday 1 November, 10.00am-3.00pm We’re thrilled to bring this free motoring extravaganza back to Pall Mall this year. The normally-busy thoroughfare will be closed to traffic for the day to showcase motoring past, present and future – from cutting-edge technology and educational activities to a concours of 75 veteran cars ahead of their journey to Brighton the next day. And 75 years of Formula 1 on display! More Information RM Sotheby’s London Sale The Peninsula Hotel, London Saturday 1 November Preview: 10.00am-4.00pm Auction: 4.00-7.00pm Returning to The Peninsula London, RM Sotheby’s London Auction will offer a discerning selection of significant automobiles ranging from a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Spider and 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Series V Spider each offered at no reserve, to a cutting edge 2024 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé. With signature quality on display, the auction is a must-visit. More Information RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Hyde Park Corner, London to Madeira Drive, Brighton Sunday 2 November, 7.00am-4.30pm This year, the world’s longest-running motoring event marks 125 years since the seminal 1,000 Mile Trial, when early motorists set out to win public trust in cars with an audacious 22-day journey across the UK. The spectacle of over 400 veteran cars roaring down to Brighton from Hyde Park is truly unmissable for those keen to relive the dawn of motoring. More Information
FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB DEWAR TROPHY
FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB DEWAR TROPHY The Club is issuing a final call for nominations for the prestigious Dewar Trophy, with the closing date set for Tuesday 30 September 2025. This historic award, first presented to the Club in 1904 by Sir Thomas Dewar MP, recognises outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive industry. It is only awarded in years when the Club’s Technical Committee identifies contenders of sufficient merit – making it one of the rarest and most distinguished accolades in automotive engineering. Previous winners include some of the most celebrated names in motoring history. The first recipients, in 1906, were Dennis Brothers Limited of Guildford, whose 20hp car covered 4,000 miles. The most recent recipient, in 2024, was Cosworth, recognised for its development of ultra-high-performance internal combustion engines powering some of the world’s most exciting hypercars. Since 1957, the Dewar Trophy has been awarded for outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive field during the preceding year, or for developments that have reached a significant stage of application or utilisation. Eligible Fields for Nomination Entries are invited across all aspects of automotive innovation, including (but not limited to): Internal combustion engine cycle efficiency improvements Race car technology Hybrid powertrains Fuel cells Lightweight structures Vehicle electronics and electrical systems Intelligent transport systems Material developments Safety and sustainability Vehicle aerodynamics Simms Silver Medal – Also Open for Nominations The Committee is also inviting nominations for the Simms Silver Medal, which honours outstanding contributions to motoring innovation by individuals or small companies. Named after the Club’s founding member Frederick Simms, the award celebrates genuine, innovative contributions to motoring. The most recent recipient, in 2024, was Maeving, for its British-designed and built electric motorcycles. Judging Panel All nominations will be rigorously reviewed by the Dewar Technical Committee, made up of leading experts from across the automotive industry. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Dewar Technical Committee Steve Cropley, Editor-in-Chief, Autocar Pat Symonds, Motor Racing Engineer Professor David Greenwood, University of Warwick Dan Parry-Williams, Director of IQUAD Technology and past winner A Legacy of Innovation Over more than a century, the Dewar Trophy has recognised landmark achievements in automotive engineering. Recipients include Rover (1950, gas-turbine cars), Dunlop (1957, disc brakes), Alec Issigonis and the British Motor Corporation (1959, the Mini), and Keith Duckworth (1969, Cosworth DFV engine). More recent winners include Ford (2012, EcoBoost engine), Gordon Murray Design (2016, iStream technology), JCB (2021, ABH2 hydrogen engine), Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (2022, F1 powertrain in the Mercedes-AMG ONE), and YASA (2023, axial-flux electric motor). How to Enter The Dewar Trophy is free to enter, but entries must be received by Tuesday 30 September 2025. Submissions should include a supporting statement of up to 500 words, contact details, and any substantiating evidence. Shortlisted contenders will be invited to an interview with the Technical Committee. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club’s Pall Mall clubhouse in London on Tuesday 28 October 2025. Don’t miss the chance to have your achievement recognised alongside the most celebrated names in engineering history. Submit your nomination today to Jemma Rowe via email.
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES FINALISTS OF MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES FINALISTS OF MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR The Club has revealed the finalists for its 2025 Motoring Book of the Year Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in motoring and motor racing literature. Now in their twelfth year, the Awards continue to celebrate excellence across the entire spectrum of motoring publishing – from autobiographies and marque histories to technical works and even a children’s book. The winners, including the coveted overall Motoring Book of the Year, will be announced at a special ceremony at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Club, commented: “We founded these Awards in 2013 to recognise excellence and celebrate success in the motoring literary world. They have become the Oscars of the motoring book world, and each year we are thrilled by the quality and breadth of entries. Our sincere thanks go to the judges, who had an especially tough task this year narrowing the field to this exceptional shortlist.” Books published between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 were eligible, with categories covering both motoring and motor sport subjects in affordable and premium editions. In addition to the category winners, the judges will present the overall Motoring Book of the Year Trophy to the single title they believe stands above all others, while the Graham Robson Trophy will honour the Best Debut Author. The Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise an individual’s outstanding contribution to the world of writing and publishing about motoring and motorsport. Simon Taylor, Chairman of the judging panel, added “This has been a bumper year for entries, the biggest in the Awards’ history with fifty books submitted from major publishers to independents and self-published authors. The debate was lively, with each title judged for originality, research, writing style, illustration quality, and production values. It has been a delight to see such impressive and diverse titles across all categories, and the calibre of the finalists is exceptionally high.” In strictly alphabetical order, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year 2025 finalists are: Books About Motor Cars & Motoring (under £50.00) DeLorean: The Rise, Fall and Second Acts of the DeLorean Motor Company – Matt Stone (Motorbooks, £30.00) Ford Mustang 60 Years – Donald Farr (Motorbooks, £40.00) Meyers Manx 1964–2024 – Basem Wasef (Hothouse Media, £49.50) Super3 Design by Adventure – Andy Plumb (Lead-in Design Ltd, £49.99) Books About Motor Cars & Motoring (no price limit) Joseph Figoni: Le Grand Couturier de la Carrosserie Automobile Vol. II–IV: Bugatti – Peter M. Larsen & Ben Erickson (Moteurs!, £650.00) Power Unleashed: Trailblazers who Energised Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging – Karl Ludvigsen (Evro Publishing, £395.00) Spy Octane: The Vehicles of James Bond (Vol. 1) – Matt Field & Ajay Chowdhury (Porter Press International, £99.00) The Magic of a Shadow – Davide Bassoli (Nubes Argentea, £215.00) Motor Sporting Subject (under £50.00) A.J. Foyt – Vol. 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend – Art Garner (Octane Press, £37.00) Forever Young: Six Lost Talents of Motor Racing – Ian Wagstaff, Andrew Marriott, Jon Saltinstall and Darren Banks (BHP Publishing, £40.00) Racing Legends: Lando Norris – Maurice Hamilton (Macmillan Children’s Books, £6.99) The Grand Prix Year: An Insider’s Guide to Formula 1 Racing – Phillip Horton (Bloomsbury, £20.00) Motor Sporting Subject (no price limit) On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team – Neil Smith (David Bull Publishing, £100.00) My Travels On Racer Road: Can-Am and Formula 1 in their golden age – Pete Lyons (Evro Publishing, £70.00) Texas Legend: Jim Hall and his Chaparrals – George Levy (Evro Publishing, £60.00) Ultimate Ford GT40: The Definitive History Vol. 1 – Ronnie Spain (Porter Press International, £325.00) Best Debut Author (Graham Robson Trophy) De Tomaso: Racing Blue Blood – Alejo Pérez Monsalvo & Marcel Schaub (McKlein Media, £295.00) Driving the Dragon: The Rise of the Chinese Car Industry – Mark Andrews (Veloce/David & Charles, £19.99) Le Mans 2000-09: The Official History of the World’s Greatest Motor Race – John Brooks (Evro Publishing, £70.00) On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team – Neil Smith (David Bull Publishing, £100.00) Judging Panel The Awards are judged by six experts who are independent of the Royal Automobile Club, and represent the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics, including Mick Walsh (Classic & Sports Car), Damien Smith (Motor Sport), Mark Dixon (Octane), Ian Titchmarsh (British Racing Drivers’ Club) and representing the retail sector Ben Horton (Horton’s Books), and Christian Whitehead (Blackwell’s). The judging panel is chaired by respected motorsport writer, commentator and historian Simon Taylor. The Awards form part of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week (27 October – 2 November 2025), which culminates with two landmark public events. On Saturday 1 November, the St James’s Motoring Spectacle will see Pall Mall closed to traffic for a free, one-day celebration of motoring past, present and future, showcasing the latest in automotive technology and career opportunities while also acting as a preview to the following day’s RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Held on Sunday 2 November, the Run is the world’s longest-running motoring event, now in its 129th year, and begins at dawn in Hyde Park.
VICTOR RILEY 1935-2025
Victor Riley 1935-2025 Victor Riley was one of the last genuinely direct links with the founding fathers of the British motor industry. He knew his grandfather William Riley when the old man was 90 and Victor was five in 1939, and even then found the Victorian industrialist a little intimidating. William Riley Jnr was the latest in a long line of Coventry weavers when, in 1890, he joined the goldrush in bicycle manufacture that was sweeping Coventry. Yet it was his five sons (including Victor’s father, also known as Victor) who transformed the business into car-making 15 years later, initially against his will. This soon led to the exceptional Riley Nine in 1927 that brought commercial success and motor racing laurels. Victor Riley, born in 1935, was too young to join the family firm, which was sold to Lord Nuffield in 1938, instead following a career in component manufacturing with what became a part of GKN. But his passion was always the Riley marque, which he expressed through owning the cars and campaigning unceasingly to keep interest in them alive. In the 1990s, his efforts almost succeeded in a revival of the marque under BMW. He did, however, help establish a permanent home for The Riley Archive in Coventry’s Canal Basin, pouring his energy into raising funds and promoting it at dinners and in local schools. He also initiated a replica of the very first car (the original having been lost) that was designed by his Uncle Percy when he himself was a 16-year-old schoolboy. Victor carried this same sense of tradition into his daily life. He travelled the country by train, right up until last year, and never owned a mobile phone or used email. Everything with Victor was done by letter or by telephone call – even event reservations. Victor became a Club member on 24 November 1958 at the age of 23, when his family purchased Life Membership for him. In January 2016, he proudly joined the Senior 100. Over the years, he was a vibrant and dedicated presence at Club events – full of energy and warmth, generous with his time, and always enthusiastic about keeping the Riley spirit alive. We will remember him not only as a custodian of the marque’s history, but as a kind and engaging friend whose enthusiasm drew others in. Our condolences go to his family and friends.
CLUB CONTRIBUTES TO NEW POLICIES AT DVLA THAT SUPPORT THE CLASSIC CAR INDUSTRY
Club contributes to new policies at DVLA that support the Classic Car industry This is great news for owners and enthusiasts anxious to keep their car’s identity after major restoration or conversion work. The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has listened to genuine concerns highlighted by the Royal Automobile Club and other organisations on behalf of the historic car sector and reframed its policies, rewarding what Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood calls the “love, time and effort” that goes into keeping veteran, vintage and classic vehicles on the road. The Club has engaged with the DVLA since 2020 and was a Founder member of the Historic Vehicle User Group (HVUG) that has been central in developing the new changes in policy. For cars that have been repaired or restored back to their original working specifications, owners are no longer required to notify the DVLA of the work. This is on the condition that components or body panels are replaced on a strict like-for-like basis, and that the appearance of the car is faithful to how it was when brand new. It is also dependent on none of the Vehicle logbook (V5C) details being affected. Meanwhile, cars that have received major modifications must still have these alterations – such as cutting into the structure, bodywork changes, non-standard engines, or conversion to using an electric drivetrain – notified to the DVLA. However, such vehicles will now be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and registration numbers. The new policies come into effect on Tuesday, 26 August, and are seen as a vote of confidence in the wider historic car industry and modern restoration techniques. The DVLA says the revised policies make it ‘significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.’ “These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric,” added Lilian Greenwood. “It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.” “The Royal Automobile Club is delighted that it can still support motorists 128 years after it was founded and welcomes these positive measures that will support the Historic Car movement”, said the Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, Duncan Wiltshire. Further Information
NICK TANDY AWARDED SEGRAVE TROPHY FOR EXTRADORINARY MOTORSPORT ACHIEVEMENTS
Nick Tandy Awarded Segrave Trophy for Extraordinary Motorsport Achievements Nick Tandy was visibly moved when he received the Segrave Trophy on Wednesday at a celebratory lunch in Pall Mall, attended by his family, friends, on-track rivals, and many previous Segrave winners. He described the accolade as “an unofficial knighthood of motorsport” and reflected on how humbled he felt as its new holder. “You don’t realise at the time what you’re doing means within the global reach of motorsport,” he said. The Club awarded the tenacious British racing driver the Segrave Trophy in recognition of his outstanding achievements in global endurance racing. Named after adventurous trailblazer Sir Henry Segrave – the first man to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously – the Trophy is awarded annually to the British or Commonwealth individual or team demonstrating outstanding skill and courage on land, water, in the air or in space. Past recipients include luminaries such as Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE, Sir Stirling Moss OBE, Richard Noble OBE, Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE and Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE. Nick’s racing career is a story of perseverance and passion. From humble beginnings in British grassroots motorsport, he steadily climbed the international ranks to become one of endurance racing’s most respected figures. His first landmark victory came at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloting the No 19 Porsche 919 Hybrid to an unforgettable win. He followed that with 24-hour triumphs at Nürburgring in 2018, Spa in 2020 and, finally, Daytona in 2025 – completing a rare and remarkable sweep of endurance racing’s crown jewels. This impressive race record underscores a career defined by talent and grit. An informal Q&A followed the Trophy presentation, led by endurance-racing veteran – and himself a previous Segrave Trophy winner – Martin Brundle. When asked the secret to success, Nick observed: “Belief is everything… if you don’t believe you’re going to win, you’ll be beaten by someone who does.” He also emphasised the importance of trust in endurance racing: “You’re putting victory in someone else’s hands, too.” Allan McNish, another Le Mans victor and remarkable double Segrave Trophy winner, was drawn into the conversation, fondly recalling watching Nick at Le Mans in 2015, where he was racing a GT car in a slower category. In torrential rain – “more akin to Knockhill” – Nick delivered a flawless drive, and astonishingly won the race outright. It’s a feat rarely, if ever, achieved in a lesser-class car. Allan pointed to adaptability as the key in such moments – something Nick clearly has in spades. In his closing remarks, Nick thanked the work of his team, highlighting the immense of support of his teammates, engineers, mechanics and, most importantly, his family along the way. The honour, he said, “goes above and beyond anything I thought I’d achieve in my career… it’s incredible to be part of this Trophy’s tradition.”