Jump to content


Photo

RAC Motoring Book of the Year 2020


  • Please log in to reply
29 replies to this topic

#1 Tim Murray

Tim Murray
  • Moderator

  • 24,591 posts
  • Joined: May 02

Posted 18 September 2020 - 05:01

The shortlist for the prestigious RAC Motoring Book of the Year has been announced. Three of the six books nominated for Motoring Book of the Year are by TNF members: Oliver Heal’s biography of Louis Coatalen, Richard Jenkins’ biography of Richie Ginther and Jon Saltinstall’s full record of Niki Lauda’s competition career.

The awards will be made on 28th October. Congratulations to all three on their nominations, and may the best book win. Here’s the full list of nominations:

https://mailchi.mp/e...hRii2jiLBGboMR4

Advertisement

#2 Jon Saltinstall

Jon Saltinstall
  • Member

  • 515 posts
  • Joined: October 02

Posted 18 September 2020 - 05:51

Thanks for posting this, Tim.

I’m delighted, humbled and above all very proud that my book “Niki Lauda: His Competition History” (Evro Publishing) has been shortlisted for the RAC Motoring Book of the Year Award. The response to it has been amazing and is far more than I could have imagined when I embarked on the project. i am indebted to Eric Verdon-Roe and Mark Hughes at Evro for their faith in a first-time author, and allowing me to realise a dream.

With so many excellent new books published in the last 12 months - several of them by other first-timers like Richard Jenkins - hopefully the future of traditional printed books remains bright in this digital age.

#3 oliver heal

oliver heal
  • New Member

  • 79 posts
  • Joined: May 08

Posted 13 October 2020 - 17:01

I missed this posting at the time! Only came across it as I googled to see if there was any news about how the event was going to happen. Thank you Tim for the original post. I can only echo Jon's words and sentiments.



#4 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 13 October 2020 - 20:36

I missed this posting at the time! Only came across it as I googled to see if there was any news about how the event was going to happen. Thank you Tim for the original post. I can only echo Jon's words and sentiments.

 

Congratulations as well Oliver for making the longlist of the Michael Sedgwick Award. Yours is the only one named on the longlist - https://michaelsedgwicktrust.co.uk/news/michael-sedgwick-award-2020/ 

I'm not sure when the Winter Issue of SAHB Times actually comes out but I would imagine that to be in the next month or so? So you might have a deserved double triumph!

 

As per usual, Jon says it better than I in terms of sentiments and feelings.



#5 sabrejet

sabrejet
  • Member

  • 890 posts
  • Joined: January 09

Posted 13 October 2020 - 20:56

I can vouch for the Coatalen book as well as Shadow: The Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery by Pete Lyons. 



#6 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 28 October 2020 - 16:50

For anybody interested, the ceremony will be on in about 10 minutes or so:

 

This has been a record-breaking year for the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards. The six judges have read, scrutinised and discussed no fewer than 32 high-quality submissions before agreeing the six final nominees in both the General and Specialised categories.

 

In past years, the shortlisted authors, publishers, book trade and personalities from the motoring and publishing world would have gathered at Pall Mall for the traditional event during the Club’s London Motor Week for the awards presentation.

 

This year, given the restrictions, the winners will be announced in a virtual event which will go on-line at 5pm on Wednesday 28th October.

Please visit: https://www.royalaut...-reports/videos

 

This year's nominees were books of remarkable quality and standing, and each of them will be featured during the presentation. The presentation will remain on the Club's website and on Youtube to continue to honour each of the short-listed titles.

 

Enjoy the presentation and good luck to the nominees.

 

Jeremy Vaughan

Head of Motoring

 



#7 E1pix

E1pix
  • Member

  • 23,429 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 28 October 2020 - 16:58

From a first-time author who finished on the podium for Book of the Year in the States...

These things can be somewhat “political” in a “who you know and who knows you” sense. That is initially frustrating.

But my message to Jon and Richard and Oliver is this... getting nominated is the real victory, winning is not. This is a great honor for you guys and the reward has already been bestowed upon you. There is no “losing” from here on out.

Sincerest Congratulations to all three of you!!! I am extremely pleased for you all!

#8 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 28 October 2020 - 17:12

It'll be a little later....

There has been a slight technical glitch that the web people are working on. It’s the correct link, but has been delayed until 6.00pm. So sorry for the delay.

 



#9 oliver heal

oliver heal
  • New Member

  • 79 posts
  • Joined: May 08

Posted 28 October 2020 - 17:47

Was all lined up with a cup of tea but finished that. Will have to move onto something stronger at 6.00pm!

 

Seriously the most disappointing bit is not being able to meet the other authors and judges. Was really looking forward to mixing in such distinguished company. Such an honour to be included.



#10 Jon Saltinstall

Jon Saltinstall
  • Member

  • 515 posts
  • Joined: October 02

Posted 28 October 2020 - 18:26

Was all lined up with a cup of tea but finished that. Will have to move onto something stronger at 6.00pm!

 

Seriously the most disappointing bit is not being able to meet the other authors and judges. Was really looking forward to mixing in such distinguished company. Such an honour to be included.

 

Absolutely true, Oliver. The chance to meet with fellow authors, historians and enthusiasts was the thing I was eagerly anticipating the most. 

 

As "E1 Pix" put it so eloquently, the nomination is a huge accolade - something that I guess none of us anticipated when we set out on our projects.

 

Now, if the tecchies can just get the video fixed.....



#11 Jon Saltinstall

Jon Saltinstall
  • Member

  • 515 posts
  • Joined: October 02

Posted 28 October 2020 - 18:26

I see we are now moved to 19.00 .....



#12 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:00

We're in..... Good luck everyone



#13 Michael Ferner

Michael Ferner
  • Member

  • 7,151 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:16

Good luck!!



#14 Gabrci

Gabrci
  • Member

  • 649 posts
  • Joined: December 07

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:19

Wow, how astonishing is this? Many congratulations, well done and well deserved! 



#15 Allen Brown

Allen Brown
  • Member

  • 5,538 posts
  • Joined: December 00

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:20

Congratulations Richard!  Absolutely fabulous news!



#16 Jeff Weinbren

Jeff Weinbren
  • Member

  • 147 posts
  • Joined: September 02

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:24

Congratulations Richard on a superb book!! :clap:



#17 Jon Saltinstall

Jon Saltinstall
  • Member

  • 515 posts
  • Joined: October 02

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:27

Very many congratulations Richard on your hugely well-deserved Award - "Richie Ginther: Motor Racing's Free Thinker" as RAC Motoring Book of the Year 2020. Who would have thought it this time last year?

 
I couldn't be more pleased for you; it's a testament to all the hard effort you put into your project and a worthy accolade for the book you have created. Full credit to Performance Publishing too; I hope they are delighted. 
 
It's wonderful to see proper recognition being given to a first-time author - though you'd never have known it was your first effort, which is like the work of a seasoned pro.
 
Have a fantastic evening celebrating your success.


#18 Risil

Risil
  • Administrator

  • 61,496 posts
  • Joined: February 07

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:38

Congratulations Richard :clap: :clap: :clap:



#19 Tim Murray

Tim Murray
  • Moderator

  • 24,591 posts
  • Joined: May 02

Posted 28 October 2020 - 19:46

Congratulations Richard, very well done.

:clap: :clap:

Commiserations to Jon, Oliver and the other nominees but, as E1pix said, you can take pride in having been on the shortlist.

Advertisement

#20 oliver heal

oliver heal
  • New Member

  • 79 posts
  • Joined: May 08

Posted 28 October 2020 - 20:18

Congratulations Richard!!! Really delighted for you. :clap:  :clap:



#21 Michael Ferner

Michael Ferner
  • Member

  • 7,151 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 28 October 2020 - 20:41

Great news! :clap: Congrats, Richard, very well done :clap: :clap:



#22 Jack-the-Lad

Jack-the-Lad
  • Member

  • 2,465 posts
  • Joined: March 03

Posted 28 October 2020 - 20:52

Well done, Richard! Congratulations.

This is particularly significant, in my opinion, as it comes from a first time author, a publisher not necessarily known for this type of book, and especially because of the quality of the competition this year. All of those are wonderful books from respected authors. Some may recall my pleas here for someone to write Richie’s story before much more time passed. Richard, out of the blue, took up the challenge and did a magnificent job.

I encourage all to view the video linked above. It really is quite well done and Richard’s description of his researching and writing the book is compelling.

:clap:

Jack.

#23 E1pix

E1pix
  • Member

  • 23,429 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 28 October 2020 - 21:10

Darn, was going to watch tonight... Haha, my Bad!

CONGRATULATIONS, Richard!


OT Warning: It’d be cool if you three teamed up and sold signed books together.

A TNF Triptych!

I have no room as some of you know but would sign up anyway...


Well done to All finalists!

#24 LittleChris

LittleChris
  • Member

  • 3,704 posts
  • Joined: April 01

Posted 28 October 2020 - 21:24

Well done Richard and also Jon and Oliver  :clap:



#25 Sterzo

Sterzo
  • Member

  • 4,975 posts
  • Joined: September 11

Posted 28 October 2020 - 21:59

Congratulations to Richard for winning, to Jon and to Oliver for being nominated. The books deserve it.



#26 ensign14

ensign14
  • Member

  • 61,754 posts
  • Joined: December 01

Posted 28 October 2020 - 22:05

:clap: :clap: :clap:



#27 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 28 October 2020 - 22:24

All, 

Firstly, apologies for the late reply. The 2 hour delay meant priorities came first which was putting the children to bed and then it is to try and respond to an avalanche of well-wishes.

 

Firstly, I would like to especially thank Jon Saltinstall and Oliver Heal for their congratulations. I cannot fathom how on earth I have managed to win ahead of their wonderful books and Richard Williams' book too (He has congratulated me on Twitter). All five books deserved to win and I am only sorry that there can only be one winner and not six.

 

I am also deeply sorry that there's been no chance to meet Oliver, Jon, Richard and all the other finalists, the judges and everyone involved. I don't actually know what happens now as per process but I am sure someone will be in touch soon.

 

Also, let's not forget Pete Lyons who won Specialist Book of the Year for the Shadow book. Well done to him and Evro.

 

 

I am understandably overjoyed and delighted to win, whilst still really not taking this all in. I actually knew on Monday and have kept this a secret since then and boy was that difficult. I feel humbled to have won and would like to thank each and every person who helped, no matter how much or how little with the book but also each and every person who has posted or said kind words about the book. You cannot underestimate how much that has meant to a first time author.

 

So what now? It's all downhill from here.......  :rotfl:

 

Thanks again everyone. I believe this is only the 2nd TNF win (Brian Redman in 2015 being the first, unless Simon Moore's on here?)


Edited by Richard Jenkins, 28 October 2020 - 22:31.


#28 Tim Murray

Tim Murray
  • Moderator

  • 24,591 posts
  • Joined: May 02

Posted 30 October 2020 - 06:10

https://www.royalaut...r-latest-winner

#29 Tim Murray

Tim Murray
  • Moderator

  • 24,591 posts
  • Joined: May 02

Posted 16 February 2021 - 22:10

Congratulations once again to Richard Jenkins. He’s just been awarded the Guild of Motoring Writers Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for 2020. The award goes to ‘the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring or motorcycling in books’ for that year.

https://www.gomw.co....ontent/featured

Bravo Richard.

#30 Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins
  • Member

  • 7,209 posts
  • Joined: November 00

Posted 17 February 2021 - 09:29

Congratulations once again to Richard Jenkins. He’s just been awarded the Guild of Motoring Writers Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for 2020. The award goes to ‘the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring or motorcycling in books’ for that year.

https://www.gomw.co....ontent/featured

Bravo Richard.

 

Thanks Tim, very nice of you to mention it on TNF. Again, I'm very humbled, honoured and absolutely delighted to win.