Please join us in congratulating two of our number, Rob Manson (photo, right) and Mark Brinker, who are short-listed finalists in the International Historic Motoring Awards 2026, presented by Lockton. Their achievements will be recognised, whether or not they win, at the prestigious awards ceremony on Friday November 13, 2026 at the stunning Peninsula London hotel. The evening will include a Nyetimber sparkling wine reception, a three-course dinner with fine wine, the highly anticipated awards presentation and a few surprises. No wonder Mark, Rob and spouses are flying in for he event. The announcement was made by Geoff Love and David Lillywhite, directors, International Historic Motoring Awards and of Octane and Magneto Magazines in the Hothouse Media group https://hothousemedia.co.uk/.
Here are details of their nominations:
Rob Manson: Personal Achievement of the Year… Recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the collector car community through their passion, leadership, expertise or dedication, whether through their professional work, personal endeavours or volunteering.
Heroes of the Forest: Motoring Book of the Year… The Complete History of the Pebble Beach Road Race by Mark Brinker. Recognising an outstanding automotive book that demonstrates excellence in research, writing, design and production, while making a significant contribution to motoring history and culture, whether through history, marque, personality or photography. Mark is pictured (centre) after he spoke at the Pebble Beach Forum 13 August 2026 with Hammond Edwards (PB Concours winner and Sterling Edrward’s son, holding Mark’s book) and his wife.
You can see all the nominees in each category at https://historicmotoringawards.evessiocloud.com/live/en/page/shortlist-2026
Our congratulations to Mark and Rob on being shortlisted, and good luck! Being shortlisted for the 2026 awards is an achievement in itself, reflecting the exceptional quality of entries received and the strength of competition across every category. I am sorry the voting is not open to you, the public. It would be a slam dunk!
Rob’s citation runs to 2,200 words starting with “The activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Road Races culminated in the splendor of Monterey Car Week August 7-16, 2026. But a year of preparation and media activity turned a race and display event into a world-beating performance. The key was the coordination by Rob Manson of the efforts of the four organizations involved, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Del Monte Trophy Race Group (rebranded this year as the Pebble Beach Road Racers) and the new charitable Del Monte Trophy Foundation; impact and awareness were created not just in the classic car community but with a more general public worldwide” and included paragraphs on the new charitable Del Monte Trophy Foundation https://dmtrg.com/del-monte-trophy-foundation/, branding, the web site, the historical archive, social media, print media, merchandising, videos, outreach, the 40 cars from 1950-1956 on track at Laguna Seca, the tent and the displays, the Rolex awards, six of the race cars on the lawn on Sunday, the triple triumph for the 1950 Parkinson Jaguar, the documentary film commissioned and his role in sourcing images and helping produce Mark Brinker’s book Heroes of the Forest.
Two other events in which participated in our 75th year are…
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: Motoring Event of the Year… Recognising an outstanding motoring event, from festivals and concours to marque gatherings and anniversary celebrations, that has demonstrated innovation, excellence and significant achievement in bringing the collector car community together.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Motorsport Event of the Year… Recognising an outstanding collector car motorsport event across disciplines including racing, hillclimbing, rallying, sprints and drag racing, celebrating innovation, excellence and achievement in historic and collector car competition.
Await the results of 13 November which we will report the day after. I add my personal and heartfelt congratulations to both these gentleman. It’s a privilege to know you and to be trusted with a role in the team. I am looking forward to being with you on the night in London.
Marcus Bicknell 28 Oct 2026