Awards night for Torbay Motor Club

Torbay Motor Club held its AGM and Prize Giving at Dainton Park Golf Club, with Club President, Les Connett, and Guest of Honour, Aiden Whenman of One Media, presenting a number of awards to members in recognition of their achievements during the 2023 motorsport season.

Club Chairman, Roy Sims, reported that Torbay MC had finished second for the third year running in the table of achievements for members of the Association of South Western Motor Clubs – there are 100 member clubs.

Torbay MC’s Speed Championship was won by John Tandy driving an MG Midget – he was presented with the Presidents Cup. The Championship encompasses a mix of hillclimbs and sprints held over 12 rounds at various venues across the South West, including Wiscombe Park.

The next two Championship positions were a family battle between brothers Shaun and Neil Tuckey – runner up spot was settled in favour of Shaun in a Ford Ka with Neil in third in his Ford Fiesta.

In fourth place was Steve Hill (Caterham) and Roy Sims (Singer Chamois Supersport), who finished fifth.

Motorsport would not happen without the trackside marshals – all of whom are volunteers. In recognition of this important role, Torbay MC presented a “Marshal of the Year” award, and the recipient of the Crispen Fuller Trophy was Rob Waldron.

For the sport to grow, it is very important to encourage newcomers. One branch of the sport that accepts competitors from the age of 14 is the ASWMC Autocross Championship. This discipline is very popular with Torbay MC members.

One new competitor to autocross is Polly Ashley from Brixham. She has just completed her first full season and has excelled, exhibiting some great driving skills in an MG ZR, finishing second in her Class. In recognition, she was awarded the P Smith Cup for the Most Improved Junior Driver.

Her brother, Luke Ashley, was runner up in the ASWMC Autocross Championship for the second year running. Two names to look out for in the future. Their father, Simon, was a very successful racing driver in the 90’s.

Torbay MC Speed Championship
1. John Tandy – MG Midget 96.00pts
2. Shaun Tuckey – Ford Ka 92.92pts
3. Neil Tuckey – Ford Fiesta 91.42pts
4. Steve Hill – Caterham Superlight R400 85.75pts
5. Roy Sims – Singer Chamois Supersport 84.11pts

Torbay Motor Club were formed in 1950 and organise a wide range of motorsport events, including speed hillclimbs, sprints, autocross, rallying and trials. Many Torbay locals will have fond memories of the Oddicombe Hillclimb that was first held in 1961, but sadly ceased in 1998 due to a change in traffic regulations.

The Club currently has around 200 members. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.torbaymotorclub.co.uk