Torbay Motor Club celebrates a special anniversary with lavish ceremony
Motorsport enthusiasts from Torbay descend on Dainton Park Golf Club
Torbay Motor Club held their 2025 Awards Evening recently at Dainton Golf Club. The highlight of the Club’s social calendar, it is an opportunity to reflect on the successes of the previous season and recognise the achievements of competitors.
It was a landmark year for TMC in 2025, celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
For local garage owner, Simon Ashley of Central Garages Torbay Ltd, he was presented with two awards. Simon was named Club Person of the Year and received the Battery Maintenance Cup.
He was also awarded the Ricky Knight Tankard – Most Committed Driver - celebrating his racecraft in autocross events. The Club receives very welcome sponsorship for its autocross events from Central Garages.
Gary Dawkins was also named Club Person of the Year – the first time that there have been two recipients. Gary is not only a competitor, but he also sponsors the Club’s sprint and hillclimb events through his business, Fusion Fostering. Gary was awarded the Phil Read Cup.
Torbay MC’s best performer in an Association of South Western Motor Clubs (ASWMC) championship was Leon Sandercock-Hunter who achieved great results in the autocross series.
He won the ASWMC Under-21 Championship and was Runner-up in the 1st Choice Finishes ASWMC Autocross Championship. Leon is one of the rising young stars of South West motorsport. He received the Terry Thorne Memorial Cup.
Andy Stoddart enjoyed a very successful 2025 in his Vauxhall Nova. In February, he was presented with his trophy for finishing runner-up in the ASWMC Sprint Championship. He went one better in Torbay MC’s Speed Championship – a mixture of sprint and hillclimb events – by winning it. He was awarded the Presidents Cup.
In motorsport, as in any sport, it is important to attract young competitors. Torbay MC offer a Junior Driver Award Scheme, now in its sixth year. It is open to junior drivers competing in the sprint, hillclimb or autocross disciplines.
This has proved particularly successful in introducing several young competitors to motorsport via the autocross events organised by TMC’s Colin Anderson. Junior drivers can start competing at the age of 14. Leon Sandercock-Hunter, Polly Ashley, Luke Ashley, Alfie Sinden, and Murray Murray are just some of the young talent who have benefitted from the Scheme.
The recipient of the Club’s Most Improved Junior Driver award was Henri Gosney who got his first taste of motorsport in karts at the age of 8. He progressed through sprints and is now looking forward to a full season of sprints and hillclimbs in a Mini.
Last November, he was named Wiscombe Park’s Young Driver of The Year. Having just turned 16, Henri has now added the P Smith Cup to his growing trophy cabinet and there is no doubt that further success will follow.
All motorsport events rely on volunteers, and there is one particular group that are vital. Without marshals, there would be no motorsport. They are often fondly referred to as the “Orange Army” in recognition of the orange overalls they wear. The marshals ensure that all events are run safely, and in the event of an incident, respond rapidly to assist a competitor. Malcolm Charlesworth was the recipient of the Club’s Marshal of the Year Award, receiving the Crispin Fuller Trophy.
All the awards were presented by local motorsport photographer, Paul Morris.
In his closing speech, Club Chairman Roy Sims thanked the members for another successful year which saw Torbay MC win the prestigious ASWMC Club Championship, receiving the RAC MSA Silver Salver. “This is the award that I like Torbay winning – it’s for all the competitors” he said.
After a busy April, Torbay MC have an equally hectic May coming up. The Central Garages Autocross and Torbay Trial events have just been held. The focus is now on the following events:
- May 16 - Fusion Fostering Wiscombe Park Hill Climb
- May 24 - Fusion Fostering Clay Pigeon Sprint
If you would like to get involved, either as a competitor or a volunteer, Torbay MC would like to hear from you!
For all the latest news please visit the Club’s website www.torbaymotorclub.co.uk