The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards are back for 2026, inviting authors and publishers to submit their finest works celebrating the world of cars and motorsport. Now in their 13th year, these awards have previously recognised exceptional titles including How To Build A Car by Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey and Power Unleashed by automotive legend Karl Ludvigsen.
New entries are eligible if published between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, with the closing date for submissions set for Thursday, 30 July 2026. This year, the Awards have expanded to celebrate not only outstanding content but also excellence in book design and production.
Eight category winners will be selected by a panel of six independent judges, covering motor cars and motoring, motorsport, and the Graham Robson Trophy for Best Debut Author. Each category recognises books across three price bands: below £30, below £100, and with no price limit. The Awards also shine a spotlight on design, recognising craftsmanship in book production. One title from the shortlist will earn the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Award, while a Lifetime Achievement Award may be presented at the Club’s discretion to honour a significant contribution to the automotive publishing world.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at the Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse, in the presence of distinguished guests from publishing, motoring, and motorsport. Entry forms and guidelines are available for download from the Club’s website.
