Entries for the 2026 Sir William Lyons Award, a competition for young writers looking to make a start in automotive journalism, close on Monday 5 October – leaving just one week left to enter.
Autocar has once again partnered with Jaguar and the Guild of Motoring Writers to support the prize, which honours the memory of Jaguar’s founder.
The winner will have their work published in a print edition of Autocar and will be offered a week’s work experience at our Twickenham office.
The competition is open to those aged between 17 and 21 who do not currently hold a staff position on a motoring publication.
The award was first presented in 1966. It has helped launch the careers of many prominent automotive journalists and was re-established in 2025 to discover new media talent.
Submissions must be written in the style of Autocar’s Why I Love column, examples of which can be found linked at the bottom of this article.
It must be 450 words and can be on any motoring-related subject you are passionate about. For reference, Autocar staffers have recently written columns about topics as diverse as naturally aspirated performance cars, 'proper' steering wheels and manual gearboxes. It's important to celebrate your subject matter and focus solely on that.
Entries will be judged by Autocar editor-in-chief Steve Cropley and Jaguar UK director Santino Pietrosanti. Entries are to be submitted via the Guild of Motoring Writers website.
Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said: “Following the tremendous success of the award's return last year, Autocar is delighted to continue our partnership with Jaguar and the Guild of Motoring Writers.
“Empowering the next generation of writers is a proud tradition of Autocar. The standard of entries last year showed just how much passionate young talent is out there, and we are thrilled to carry the momentum forward.
"We can’t wait to see what submissions we receive this year and look forward to crowning our next winner.”
Pietrosanti said: "Sir William Lyons was a visionary who challenged convention and created one of Britain's most iconic automotive brands.
"As Jaguar embarks on its own bold transformation for a new generation, it feels particularly fitting to support an award that celebrates originality, curiosity and excellence in automotive journalism.
"We look forward to seeing this year's entries and recognising the talented writers who will help tell the stories shaping the future of our industry."
Guild of Motoring Writers chair Simon Harris said: "The Sir William Lyons Award has been the definitive launchpad for world-class automotive media careers since 1966. By partnering with Autocar and Jaguar, we are offering the next generation of talent a truly golden ticket into this industry.
"We are looking for raw passion, unique perspectives and a genuine love for cars. Writing 450 words for the Why I Love column is your chance to get your voice heard by the best in the business. Seeing your own byline in print in Autocar and gaining a week of hands-on experience among its industry-leading writers is a career-defining prize that money simply cannot buy.
