Catching our breath after a hectic start to the 2025 motorsport season

Torbay Motor Club brought the first half of their 75th anniversary season to a close with a two-day sprint meeting at the Clay Pigeon venue near Dorchester, the club travelling to ‘the other side’ of the Devon / Dorset border.

Since the start of 2025, the club, one of the most active in the South West, have successfully organised a classic trial, the two-day Central Garages Torbay sponsored Spring Autocross, and their Fusion Fostering hill climb, which took place at the ever popular and picturesque Wiscombe Park.

“It’s been a really good start to the year,” said club chairman Roy Sims, “with the club running events which have been well received by competitors.

“Over the course of the weekend at Clay Pigeon, it was great to see lots of our younger drivers out competing, with six entered in the junior class for standard road cars of up to 110bhp. Four of these drivers were Torbay members, including Henri Gosney.

“Henri began the weekend recording a time of 104.08 secs, before improving to a best time of 96.06 secs, and picking up a 2nd and 1st in class, chased home on the Monday by another Torbay member, Polly Ashley, in her Daihatsu Copen.”

Elsewhere, it was a family affair with Shaun Tuckey (Ford KA) and Nathan Tuckey (Ford Escort) winning their respective classes on both days.

Whilst on Monday, the father and son combination of Simon and Luke Ashley battled for class honours in their shared 1396cc MG ZR, eventually being beaten by the well sorted 998cc Ford Fiesta of Woolbridge MC’s Jonny Hollier. 

Other Torbay drivers picking up awards were Paul Prance (MG ZR) and Gordon Iles (Vauxhall Corsa), were collected first and second in class awards  

Fastest time of the day on Sunday went to the 1510cc Spire of Pegasus MC member Thomas Arnold, with Monday’s honours going to Truro’s Peter Webster in his rapid 998cc Jedi. Whilst the award for ‘Best Torbay’ went to John Opie, driving his 998cc OMS PR.

“As with many sports, the average age of our competitors and organising teams is getting older,” said Roy Sims, adding, “all clubs are finding it harder to encourage new members, especially younger ones, so the entry at Clay was very positive.

“With this in mind, the club actively supported the Association of South Western Motor Clubs display at the BHP show at Westpoint, where we were hoping to encourage more people, especially younger ones, to get involved in motorsport, be it as a competitor, marshal or organiser.

“You don’t need to have an expensive race or rally car, there are many disciplines where a standard road car can be used.

“In actual fact, you can get involved in your local motor club through many different directions, especially in this increasingly digital world.

“Clubs are always looking for ways to increase their exposure, and people who enjoy organising, taking photographs, writing, and perhaps uploading content to the internet and social media, are always welcome.

“Our own press and media officer, cut his teeth writing for, and eventually editing a motor club magazine. After a while, he began freelancing for his local regional newspaper and then became its motorsport correspondent.

“One thing led to another, and eventually he was freelancing for a number of national motorsport magazines, travelling thousands of miles a year, before returning to his roots with Torbay. It goes to show that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can come true!”

Over the last few years, the club has done a lot to encourage junior drivers, with Luke and Polly Ashely (ASWMC Autocross Champion 2024) leading the charge. Both drivers were present at West Point with their Mini and MG ZR displayed next to the club stand. As were Leon Sandercock-Hunter, and Zane Hunter, both of whom are currently well placed in the ASWMC Autocross Championship.

The season will come to a close in September (27 / 28) with the two-day autumn autocross, once again sponsored by Central Garages Torbay.