The Motor Sports Association (MSA) and Renault UK are delighted to announce that Scott Mitchell and Adam Pigott have been named the Renault MSA Young Journalist and Photographer of the Year respectively.
Established in 2002, the awards are designed to recognise the most promising journalists and photographers aged 30 or under working within British motor sport.
Mitchell, aged 22 from Kent, is currently assistant editor of Autosport, a role that sees him edit the weekly magazine’s national section covering the spectrum of UK motor sport. He submitted a strong array of news and features, showcasing writing talent and a knack for uncovering exclusive stories. He will receive a trophy and a cheque for £1000 at the MSA Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club on 24 January. He also wins a year’s provisional membership of the Guild of Motoring Writers (GoMW), the world’s largest organisation of automotive editorial professionals.
Mitchell said: “It's great to be recognised by Renault and the MSA with this award. I've had a great year and it is very humbling to know that others think so highly of the job I have done. I'm very proud to join the list of winners as the roll of honour speaks for itself.
“It's been a long year but this is a great boost ahead of 2015 and a fantastic addition to my CV. Autosport was my magazine of choice as a kid but I never thought I would be part of it – let alone start my career here. It's a privilege and I know that's a large part of how I have been able to win the Young Journalist of the Year Award, so I'm very grateful to everyone I've worked with."
Pigott, aged 22 from Lincolnshire, photographs an array of different motor sports, with particular focus on sports cars and rallying. His submission displayed a great mix of artistry and technical ability, capturing stunning images of the sport’s people, cars and events. He will also collect a trophy and £1000 at the Night of Champions. In addition his winning images will be framed and displayed at the Royal Automobile Club and Motor Sports House, and he receives provisional membership of the GoMW.
Pigott said: “I'm absolutely over the moon that I've been awarded this prestigious accolade. I still can't quite believe it! It's been a long term goal of mine ever since I started photography. Having seen the emerging talent in the industry over the past year I really didn't expect a result like this. It's a huge boost to my career moving forwards and I can't wait to see where it takes me. A big thanks to everyone who has helped and supported me over the years.”
Jeremy Townsend, Renault UK Communications Director, added: “Both awards presented us with a real dilemma – how to choose just two winners from an array of very strong entries. Of course, it was a nice problem to have and we thoroughly enjoyed canvassing all the submissions. Scott and Adam deserve every bit of their success and join an esteemed list of previous winners. We are delighted to be able to aid their progress by continuing to support these great awards.”
Lawrence Butcher, now aged 31, was judged Highly Commended in the journalism category for his impressive work across technical titles such as Race Engine Technology. Tom Loomes and Dan Bathie, both 22, were designated Highly Commended for their photography. All receive a year’s provisional membership of the Guild of Motoring Writers.
Previous winners:
2013Journalist: Alex Harmer, Motor SportPhotographer: Tom Loomes, freelance
2012Journalist: Jason Craig, Coleraine ChroniclePhotographer: Nick Dungan, freelance
2011Journalist: Dan McCalla, Motorsport NewsPhotographer: Dominic Romney, freelance
2010Journalist: Rob Ladbrook, Motorsport NewsPhotographer: William Neill, freelance
2009Journalist: Ben Anderson, AutosportPhotographer: Dominic Romney, freelance
2008Journalist: Ed Foster, Motor SportPhotographer: Drew Gibson, LAT
2007Journalist: Steven English, AutosportPhotographer: Drew Gibson, LAT
2006 Journalist: Kevin Turner, AutosportPhotographer: Michael Hoyer, freelance
2005Journalist: Glenn Freeman, Motorsport NewsPhotographer: Gavin Ireland, Racecar Engineering
2004Journalist: Gemma Briggs, Racecar/HaymarketPhotographer: Glenn Dunbar, LAT
2003Journalist: Tim Redmayne, Motorsport NewsPhotographer: Jonathan MacDonald, Pacenotes
2002Journalist: Will Gray, Collings SportPhotographer: Jakob Ebrey, Jakob Ebrey Photographic
