PoloDriver

We are pleased to announce that PoloDriver.com has received a highly commended prize at the 2014 Guild of Motoring Writers’ Awards. The awards recognise the Guild members’ work but the prizes also encourage new motoring writers, and it was for the Breakthrough Blogger of the Year sponsored by Motoring Research that PoloDriver.com was entered.

Richard Gooding started the Polo enthusiast website five years ago, from the ashes of the VW Polo Register, the UK’s first and longest-running club-level organisation for Volkswagen’s small car. A former editor of the club’s newsletter, Richard has been writing for over 20 years for both the local and national specialist press and has been in editorial job roles for the past 15 years. He is currently writing a history book for Crowood Press on the Porsche 914.

‘Richard’s work made the decision really tough for us as his extensive and professionally-created site is an excellent example of publishing,’ said Motoring Research managing director Richard Aucock. ‘For this reason, we’re going to work with Richard and try to develop a work experience and exposure package with him too; we’d love to give him a platform to showcase and develop his own abilities as a motoring journalist,’ he continued.

Richard Gooding commented: ‘After a dedicated five years starting and promoting PoloDriver.com, it’s truly an honour for it to be recognised by the motor industry. From covering mainly UK-based Polo news, the content has grown alongside the car’s global career to include stories from around the world as well as regular coverage of the Polo’s participation in many motorsport arenas.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank PoloDriver.com’s loyal readers, social media followers, as well as its contributors, who make the site what it is. It makes all the hurried lunchtime posts and more developed features worth the effort. It still aims to be the one-stop-shop for all things Polo, and while that may be some time off, I think we’re getting there!’

PoloDriver.com is delighted to report that contributor John Redfern took the top honour in the same category with his own website, engagesportmode.com.