just-auto columnist picks up awards

UK: just-auto columnist picks up awards

Author: just-auto.com editorial team | 15 December 2008

In a ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club UK-based writer and just-auto columnist Karl Ludvigsen has picked up three awards from the UK's Guild of Motoring Writers.

The Guild's Award for Automotive Technology Journalism went to Ludvigsen for his article about the evolution of the Porsche 911 engine published in AutoAficionado magazine. The award, which recognises 'excellence in writing technical articles valued by specialists but also interesting to non-specialists,' was presented by its sponsor, technology communications company Market Engineering.

For the second time Karl Ludvigsen received the Aston Martin International Trophy, 'recognising excellence in journalistic achievement by a Guild member working in the international field.' The award cited Ludvigsen's in-depth profile of controversial FIA president Max Mosley, published in America's Automobile Quarterly.

Ludvigsen's third award—perhaps the most prestigious—was the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and presented by Lord Montagu, creator of Britain's National Motor Museum. Its recipient is 'the Guild member who makes the greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring or motorcycling.'

Recognised by the judges for 2008 was Ludvigsen's Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius. A history of Porsche's early life and work, it was published by Bentley Publishers. This was Ludvigsen's third Montagu since he was the Trophy's first winner in 1972.

'I hardly know what to say,' reacted a surprised Ludvigsen. 'I'm very grateful to the Guild and the judges who thought these works deserving. These awards are tremendously motivating to an author. I'll do my best to live up to their standards.'

As well as trophies the awards carried cash prizes.

Karl Ludvigsen was £3,500 better off after the evening.

Companies: Porsche, Aston, Mercedes, Bentley