Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards 2026 – new literary classics urgently needed by July 30

The car world’s most prestigious Awards for books on motoring and motorsport are back for 2026, and entries are now invited from authors and publishers across this vibrant and varied publishing sector.

The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards are open to new books published between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, and the closing date for entries is Thursday, 30 July 2026, in less than four months’ time. “Our Book Awards – now in their 13th year – have already recognised numerous exceptional works, including How To Build A Car by Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey, and Power Unleashed by the legendary Karl Ludvigsen,” said Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club.

“This year we have high hopes for more extraordinary work, and we’re also extending the scope of the Awards to include excellence in book design and production.” The Awards will light up the covers of eight category winners, chosen by a panel of six experienced, independent judges:

• Motor cars and motoring– priced below £30, below £100 and with no price limit.
• Motorsport – priced below £30, below £100 and with no price limit.
• The Graham Robson Trophy for Best Debut Author– recognising an outstanding book by a previously unpublished author.
• Design – celebrating craftsmanship in book design and production.

One shortlisted title will receive the coveted Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Award. In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award may be presented at the Club’s discretion to honour an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the automotive publishing industry. The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse, in the presence of distinguished guests from the worlds of publishing, motoring and motorsport.

The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897, and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.

The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, one of the oldest continuously run competitive motor sports event.

The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences. Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation, while promoting its own motoring events including London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

This year the Club’s London Motor Week – including the Motoring Book of The Year Awards – runs from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historically world-famous trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Diamond Jubilee Trophy and the Historic Awards.