The Guild Awards
The Guild of Motoring Writers’ annual awards are the longest established and most prestigious in automotive media, and recognise excellence by Guild members and non-members working in motoring editorial.
In addition there are special awards for outstanding new competitors in motorsport and to recognise the highest achievements in the automotive field, both by Guild members and by figures in the automotive and motorsport industries.
Each of the awards is judged by a panel including representatives from the Guild and from the award sponsor.
The 2024 awards were presented at the Guild’s black-tie annual dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall on Thursday 5th December; the 2025 annual dinner and awards takes place on Thursday 4 December.
The Guild trophies are on display at the Royal Automobile Club, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and Coventry Transport Museum.
This section describes the current awards and recent winners. A full list of awards, including those which are dormant, together with names of all the winners, are in the Guild’s Who’s Who in the Motor Industry yearbook.
AlcoSense Campaigning for Motoring Award
This award merges the previous Campaigning Journalism and Safety awards. The scope of this category is wide and entries should focus on how their writing advances campaigns that impact motorists. From road safety to electric vehicles, or roads maintenance to environmental issues, we want to see examples of how entrants have built and delivered their case to improve the lives of all road users. Click here to enter
BCA Feature Writer of the Year
For the best general feature (not regular column) dealing with any aspect of the motoring scene by a Guild member. Click here to enter
First presented in 2010 this award goes to the editor who demonstrates they have balanced the demands of publishers and readers while nurturing journalistic talent and successfully making the critical decisions that turn a good publication into a great one. Click here to enter
Continental Tyres Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year
This award seeks fresh and interesting approaches to the world of commercial vehicles, from the latest innovations in technology, to innovative use of CVs in day-to-day business. Click here to enter
Genesis Award for Automotive Technology Journalism
Recognising engineering excellence for technical audiences, the judges are looking for an ability to write features that are valued by specialists in the subject, yet which are also interesting and easily accessible to non-specialists. Click here to enter
GOMW MICA Young PR Professional of the Year Award
Offering the most talented young automotive PR professionals the chance to be recognised. Created through a partnership between the Guild of Motoring Writers and MICA (Motor Industry Communicators Association). Click here to enter
GOMW WOMAC Award for Fundraising sponsored by Imprimatur
Open to Guild and non-Guild members alike, the award will go to a member of the media who, or media organisation which, has made a significant endeavour in fundraising within the world of motoring. Click here to enter
Gordon Bruce Classic Writer of the Year sponsored by Hampson Auctions
Presented to the journalist offering the best example of an article or feature reporting on the world of classic vehicles of any age. Entries should demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the subject and both engage and inform the reader. Click here to enter
Hagerty Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy
A prestigious award which 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. Click here to enter
This award recognises outstanding achievement by a Guild member in the world of motorsport. It can be either writing about or competing in motorsport at any level. Click here to enter
Prova PR Business Writer of the Year
Guild members working in business media, both in print and online, can enter this award. Judges are seeking clarity of writing and well-researched articles which help readers understand the complexities of the business side of the UK auto industry. Click here to enter
RAC EV Journalist of the Year Award
This award seeks outstanding electric vehicle journalism which is informative, innovative and entertaining. Click here to enter
Originally presented by Sir William Lyons, founder and President of Jaguar Cars Ltd, and awarded to a person of British nationality resident in the United Kingdom, under the age of 23, with a keen interest in any aspect of the motor car, motoring or road transport. Click here to enter
Suzuki General Photographic Award
Entrants supply a portfolio of six images taken on assignment during the eligible period which have been submitted for publication – although they do not necessarily have to have been published. Supporting material showing published photographs is encouraged. Photographers can enter both the General and the Motorsport categories. Click here to enter
Subaru Motorsport Photographic Award
Entrants supply a portfolio of six images taken on assignment during the eligible period which have been submitted for publication – although they do not necessarily have to have been published. Supporting material showing published photographs is encouraged. Photographers can enter both the General and the Motorsport categories. Click here to enter
Sue Baker Journalist of the Year sponsored by loop
Our flagship award. This award recognises the ‘best of the best’. All category winners are eligible, with a specialist judging panel selecting the most outstanding performer.
Toyota Young Journalist of the Year
Open to entrants under the age of 30. Award judges will be looking for work that exhibits a combination of thorough research and well-crafted journalism. Click here to enter
Guild nominated Awards
Driver of the Year
Made to the most outstanding British driver of the year, as selected by a judging panel of Guild members who are all involved in motorsport reporting. Before 2009 the award was made to a driver of any nationality at any stage of their career, who Guild judges selected as the most outstanding of the year.
Similar to above, this award honours the most outstanding British rider of the year.
Outstanding Achievement in Motorsport
A new Award in 2022, this recognises an outstanding achievement made by a British driver or rider of any age in any form of motorsport
Guild of Motoring Writers Diversity Award
This award honours an organisation in the automotive sector that has excelled in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality
Guild of Motoring Writers Special Contribution to Motoring Award sponsored by Kia
Recognises and applauds the work of individuals or organisations, not necessarily directly connected to the motor industry, who have made a special contribution to British motoring.
This award is presented by the Committee to a Guild member in recognition of an outstanding contribution – not necessarily journalistic – to the cause of motoring.
Originally established by former President David, Lord Strathcarron, this award recognises outstanding achievement in the field of international automobilism. It was adopted by current President Nick Mason in 2008.
Rules
- No more than three entries per award, except for the RAC EV Journalist of the Year, where only one entry is allowed.
- The same entry can only be submitted once, for one award
- All entries must have a supporting submission statement highlighting why you think your entry meets the award criteria.
- Eligible entries must have been published between 1st Oct 2024 and 30th Sept 2025