Being the subject of a press release is something I’m completely new to but it seems a shame to miss the opportunity to celebrate my recent success at the Guild of Motoring Writers awards. A big thanks to the SEAT team and GoMW Chairman Richard Aucock for choosing my entry as being worthy of this year’s award.

  • Chris Auty wins the second annual SEAT/GOMW blogger award
  • Award presented at the Guild of Motoring Writers Annual Dinner
  • Annual prize highlights the best emerging ‘unsigned’ automotive journalism talent
  • Last year’s winner subsequently left his day job to become a full-time mojo

Chris Auty was last night named the 2013 SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year at the Guild of Motoring Writers Annual Dinner.

SEAT Press Relations Manager Katherine Nebbitt with 2013 SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Chris Auty

SEAT Press Relations Manager Katherine Nebbitt with 2013 SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Chris Auty

Chris, 38, from Nottingham, stands out among the current crop of car bloggers thanks to the appealing combination of enthusiasm and insight throughout his site, www.drivingspirit.com. A prolific writer, despite working full-time as a software developer, Chris displays an impressively fastidious approach to everything, from social media to news and car reviews.

In addition, Chris’s site looks fresh, is easy to navigate, and features a bank of impressive, custom photography.

After picking up his trophy and prize – a brand new iPad Air – a delighted Chris said: “It’s a huge honour to be given this award. Writing about cars is something I really enjoy and to have my efforts recognised like this is the icing on the cake. I hope this is the start of a new chapter in my writing career.”

Juliet Carrington, SEAT Head of Press & PR, says: “Chris is a great example to other bloggers. We’re delighted to name him as the second ever SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year, and hope that he uses it as a springboard for even greater success in future.”

Last year’s award proved to be the start of a life-changing journey for the winner, Keith WR Jones. A mere six months after collecting his prize, Keith had swapped his day job as a head of sixth form for a position at leading consumer website Parkers.

“When you read about someone having a life-changing experience, you wonder about the level of exaggeration employed in the recollection,” says Keith. “Yet a year on from winning the SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year award 2012, I’m sat at my desk at Parkers. Being able to tell people I’m in my dream job is something special, and I wish Chris at least the same level of success breaking through in 2014.”

This is the the second SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year award, and according to Guild of Motoring Writers Chairman Richard Aucock, its significance will only increase.

“Enthusiasts keen to showcase their talents to professionals are realising that a blog is the best portfolio they can have. By assessing and rewarding the best, the Guild is able help them potentially make the next step and make a career of it,” explains Richard.

“We have a 100% success rate with it so far and look forward to following Chris’ progress over the next year!”

As well as his new iPad, Chris will receive a week-long loan from the SEAT press fleet as part of his prize.