Mitchell And Fong Win Renault / Msa Media Awards

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) and Renault UK are delighted to announce that Scott Mitchell and Jayson Fong 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 sports. The 2015 competition was one of the fiercest to date, with 23 entries across both awards.

Mitchell, aged 23 from Surrey, is currently features editor of Autosport. He receives the journalism award for the second year in a row and becomes the first person ever to win twice, having submitted a portfolio showcasing his wide-ranging strengths in news hunting, feature writing, race reporting and professional development.

Mitchell said: “Winning the award for a second time is something I genuinely didn't think would happen. It's a tough ask to produce the kind of work that's up to Autosport's high standards, and to be recognised by Renault and the MSA for what I have done over the past year is fantastic and greatly appreciated. There are more and more aspiring journalists making names for themselves covering UK motor sports – I'm hoping some of them join me at Autosport so we can make this award our own!”

Fong, aged 24 from Australia but now living in Kent, wins the photography award at the first attempt. His outstanding photographs of both modern and historic motor sports combine technical and artistic excellence, and his work has already been published in leading industry titles.

Fong said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to have won and feel very privileged. After moving to the UK in 2014 to chase my dream of becoming a motor sports photographer, this really means a lot to me, especially against so many talented photographers! It has definitely pushed me to continue the chase and I'm looking forward to covering next season! I'd also like to thank all my friends and family who have supported me along the journey so far.”

Jeremy Townsend, Group Renault UK Communications Director, added: “As usual, both awards presented us with a real predicament. The standard of entries is so high but, along with my fellow judges, it's a real pleasure to go through the quality of entries. Scott and Jayson well deserve their success and will join an honoured list of previous winners. At Group Renault UK, and with the MSA, we are proud to be able to aid their career by supporting these great awards.”

Both Mitchell and Fong will receive a trophy and a cheque for £1,000, courtesy of Renault UK, at the MSA Night of Champions ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 30 January. They will also receive a year's provisional membership of the Guild of Motoring Writers, the world's largest association of automotive editorial professionals.

Five other outstanding submissions were designated 'Highly Commended' – the following young journalists and photographers will also receive a year's provisional membership of the Guild of Motoring Writers:

• Jack Benyon, Motorsport News (journalist)
• Russell Hayes, Motorsport News (journalist)
• Dan Bathie, freelance (photographer)
• Tom Loomes, freelance (photographer; winner 2013)
• Zak Mauger, LAT (photographer)
• Adam Pigott, freelance (photographer; winner 2014).

Previous winners:

2014
Journalist: Scott Mitchell, Autosport
Photographer: Adam Pigott, freelance

2013
Journalist: Alex Harmer, Motor Sport Magazine
Photographer: Tom Loomes, freelance

2012
Journalist: Jason Craig, Coleraine Chronicle
Photographer: Nick Dungan, freelance

2011
Journalist: Dan McCalla, Motorsport News
Photographer: Dominic Romney, freelance

2010
Journalist: Rob Ladbrook, Motorsport News
Photographer: William Neill, freelance

2009
Journalist: Ben Anderson, Autosport
Photographer: Dominic Romney, freelance

2008
Journalist: Ed Foster, Motor Sport
Photographer: Drew Gibson, LAT

2007
Journalist: Steven English, Autosport
Photographer: Drew Gibson, LAT

2006
Journalist: Kevin Turner, Autosport
Photographer: Michael Hoyer, freelance

2005
Journalist: Glenn Freeman, Motorsport News
Photographer: Gavin Ireland, Racecar Engineering

2004
Journalist: Gemma Briggs, Racecar/Haymarket
Photographer: Glenn Dunbar, LAT

2003
Journalist: Tim Redmayne, Motorsport News
Photographer: Jonathan MacDonald, Pacenotes

2002
Journalist: Will Gray, Collings Sport
Photographer: Jakob Ebrey, Jakob Ebrey Photographic

Editors notes:

MSA
The MSA is the sole national governing body for four-wheel motor sport in the UK, as recognised by the world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The MSA is a not-for-profit organisation (limited by guarantee) comprising around 750 affiliated motor clubs, which are represented by 13 Regional Associations nationwide. The MSA represents approximately 30,000 competition licence holders and 9,500 volunteer marshals and officials, and issues permits for around 5,000 motor sport events every year.

Website: www.msauk.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/msauk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/msauk

Renault UK

Renault UK started its motorsport activity on 31 March 1974 with the first Renault R5TL race at Brands Hatch. Over 40 years, it has had a consistent and significant presence in British motorsport, today with the Renault UK Clio Cup in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship package

ENDS