In a celebration of automotive literature, Power Unleashed: Trailblazers who Energised Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging by renowned historian Karl Ludvigsen has been awarded the Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) 2025 Motoring Book of the Year. The announcement was made at a prestigious ceremony in central London last night, drawing distinguished motoring and racing authors and publishers from across the globe.
At 91, Karl Ludvigsen stands as one of the most respected voices in automotive history. With a career spanning more than six decades, Ludvigsen has authored landmark works on Porsche, Corvette, and Mercedes-Benz. His unique combination of deep technical knowledge and narrative flair has made his books indispensable to both enthusiasts and engineers alike.
Power Unleashed, published by Evro Publishing, represents the culmination of Ludvigsen’s lifetime of research into the evolution of supercharging and turbocharging. This three-volume, 665,000-word opus chronicles how engineers and visionaries revolutionised performance in both cars and aircraft through forced induction. From Grand Prix racing to Le Mans and everyday motoring, Ludvigsen’s volumes bring complex technologies to life with his trademark clarity and authority.
Upon receiving the award, Ludvigsen reflected on the journey behind his work: “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 RAC, praised the work as “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.” Vaughan added, “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 represent our part in encouraging the best new work.”
The awards ceremony also recognised other notable contributions to motoring literature. Winners 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 went to Alejo Pérez Monsalvo for De Tomaso: Racing Blue Blood, while the Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously bestowed upon Gordon Cruickshank, celebrating his enduring influence on the UK’s motoring and motorsport literary scene.
Cruickshank, who served as Deputy Editor of Motor Sport magazine for over three decades, was revered for his historical knowledge, editorial precision, and commitment to accuracy. Beyond his professional contributions, he was a tireless advocate for motoring literature, ensuring stories from the golden age of racing to the modern era were told with intelligence, authenticity, and heart. His resilience and spirit left a lasting mark on peers and enthusiasts alike.
The RAC’s 2025 Motoring Book Awards highlighted the power of storytelling in motoring, honouring works that celebrate engineering brilliance, historical insight, and the passion of those who drive the industry forward. For Ludvigsen, the recognition of Power Unleashed is a testament to a lifetime devoted to understanding, chronicling, and sharing the evolution of automotive power.
