The Royal Automobile Club has revealed the shortlist of contenders for this year’s Motoring Book of the Year awards. Six finalists have been chosen, with a main award for a book with wide appeal at an affordable price, and a second which represents achievement regardless of cost.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a unique literary evening devoted to automotive and motorsport publishing held at the RAC’s Pall Mall address on 2 November.
“There is, as ever, a glorious variety of subject matter and approach to our finalists,” said Peter Read, chairman of the motoring committee at the Royal Automobile Club. “Our judges, who are all fiercely independent, have had to argue their merits, but I know that the decision they finally reached has proceeded a shortlist of exceptional contenders.”
The nominations
Brian Redman: Daring Drivers, Deadly Tracks by Brian Redman
Squire: The Man, the Car, the Heritage by Jonathan Wood
Fatal Pursuit by Martin Walker
Colin Crabbe: Thrill of the Chase by Colin Crabbe
Bentley: The Vintage Years by Clare Hay
Maserati 250F: The Autobiography of 2528 by Ian Wagstaff
“The Royal Automobile Club has kept faith in the printed word, particularly as we possess one of the most significant collections of automotive-related books in the world. The history of the Club spans that of the car itself, and it is almost our duty to stoke discussion and enthusiasm in all aspects of motoring. The Motoring Book of The Year Award is our commitment to honour motoring authors,” said Read.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC