Coronation for Brixham’s Autocross Champion

Brixham racing driver and Torbay Motor Club member, Polly Ashley, has been crowned the 2024 Association of South Western Motor Clubs 1st Choice Finishes Autocross Champion.

She was presented with her trophy at the Awards ceremony held recently at the Exeter Court Hotel.

Polly, just 15, has won the prestigious trophy in only her second full season of competition driving a 1.4 Litre MG ZR. And it was a very close battle for the title – Polly was chased closely by her 19-year-old brother, Luke, also in a MG ZR. Just three points separated the racing siblings at the end of the season! Luke has now finished runner up in the Championship for three consecutive years.

In addition to the Championship, Polly also won the ASWMC Under 21’s and the All-Rounders Trophies too. As well as autocross, Polly’s season included some selected speed hillclimb and sprint events.

At the heart of Team Ashley is Polly and Luke’s father, Simon, a Director of Central Garages (Torbay) Ltd with outlets in Brixham and Torquay. Simon is himself a very successful racing driver – he was Champion of Castle Combe Formula Ford 1600 in 2002.

He assists with the preparation of the two race spec MG cars, and when time allows, competes in his Ralt RT3 single seater racing car. And to complete the family team, mum, Abbi, fulfils the role of Team Manager. Abbi has also competed in speed hillclimbs, however, she is now happy to oversee the exploits of the other family members.

Autocross is a branch of motorsport that very much has its roots in the Westcountry. Taunton Motor Club were the first to organise a series of autocross events in 1954. They again led the way when they were awarded a permit to run a National event.

The inaugural ASWMC Championship was contested in 1963. The sport reached peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s.

Thanks to Torbay Motor Club’s Colin Anderson and sponsor, Exeter-based powder coating specialist’s, 1st Choice Finishes, the sport is enjoying a revival in the SW.

Autocross offers an opening for budding racing drivers to get their first taste of competitive motorsport on a modest budget, and you can start competing from the age of 14.

Most of the venues in the 10 Round Championship are in Devon – Kilmington, Sugworthy, Totnes and North Tawton, with events organised by Torbay, North Devon, South Hams and Exeter motor clubs.

In autocross events, two or four cars will run together against the clock – the aim being to beat the competitor(s) alongside you into the first corner and then stay in front.

Because the track is on rough ground, often a farmer’s field, the conditions and quality of the track is constantly changing throughout an event. It can be very dusty in dry weather – very muddy when wet!

A driver not only has to be fast, but has to have the skill to adapt to changing conditions and be able to find maximum traction at all times. Each timed run usually consists of up to four laps – each lap being a 1,000 metres.

Congratulations to Polly and Luke on their fantastic season!

For more details on autocross, please visit the ASWMC web site www.aswmc.org.uk/aswmc-championships/autocross/ and for all the latest news from Torbay Motor Club www.torbaymotorclub.co.uk