Magnificent motorsport championship across the tracks of North Devon

The North Devon Motor Club once again hosted two rounds of the 2025 1st Choice Finishes ASWMC Autocross Championship at its own racing circuit at Sugworthy, High Bickington, with competitors travelling from as far afield as South Oxfordshire and Kent.

The two-day meeting was governed by Motorsport UK, the official body regulating Motorsport events in the UK and the championship is co-ordinated by the ASWMC (Association of South-Western Motor Clubs).

Cars and drivers are split into several classes to ensure fair competition with others in similar type vehicles – ranging from standard and modified production cars, specials and rally cars, and the eventual winners are decided on an aggregate of the scores over the two days.

Read more about motorsport in North Devon

Autocrossers are expected to race in all conditions and for the second time this year on North Devon’s only race circuit, they had to endure very dry and dusty conditions. To indicate the adaptability of the participants, the format of the event was changed and most drivers altered their driving style accordingly.

The fastest total time of the weekend was recorded by David Bennett of Launceston in his purpose-built 1300cc Hayabusa-powered Busa Buggy. Second overall was Brixham’s Simon Ashley, who headed a family first when he, his 19 year old son Luke and his daughter Polly, who at 16 years old astonishingly is the reigning South West Champion, all won their respective class awards.

Among the entry for this prestigious event was a strong section of junior drivers – ranging from 13 years to 18 and among those were two North Devon residents who have taken to the track at a very early age. 13 year old Kyan Neville from West Down, whose initial interest was sparked by Sim Racing, shares a 1300cc Ford Ka with his Father Ryan.

Tyler Stacey-Mogie of Merton became interested in the sport in a similar manner to Kyan with the added encouragement of his engineer uncle, Kevin Stacey. Tyler’s over exuberance on the first day of competition, when his 1400cc Vauxhall Corsa saloon sustained suspension damage, ultimately curtailed his efforts on the second day, but, although irreparable on the day, the car will survive and the pair will be in action at the next event.

These two lads’ award-winning efforts over the weekend proved that they were both faster than a number of adult competitors – Hamiltons and Russells of the future maybe?

Any North Devon youngsters who may be interested in competing, but didn’t realise that anyone can start from as young as 13 years, simply go to the North Devon Motor Club’s website – www.ndmc.org.uk - and contact any official for details of how to get involved.

Award Winners:
Spirit of the Event – The Mike Bray Memorial Award Paul Morris – Paul Morris Motorsport Photography, official photographer

Fastest overall:
David Bennett (Launceston) 1300cc Busa Buggy 6min 18.1sec

Class Winners:
Interclub 
Kevin Down (Barnstaple) 1600cc Citroen C2 7min 21.4sec
Oliver Moore (North Devon) 1998cc Ford Fiesta ST 7min 2.7sec
Callum Scott (Torbay) 1400cc MG ZR 7min 12.7sec
Luke Ashley (Brixham) 1600cc Austin Mini 6min 6.53sec
Olly Hoare (Dorset) 2000cc Renault Vaglio 6min 55.8sec
Simon Ashley (Brixham) 1300cc Smart Roadster 6min 34.6sec
Alan Holly (Weston Super Mare) 2000cc Mitsubishi Evo 5 6min 41.7sec
Polly Ashley (Brixham) 1400cc MG ZR 7min 17.1sec

Clubmans 
Karl Jarvis (North Devon) 1587cc Citroen Saxo 7min 17.1sec
Tim Corner (North Devon) 1800cc MG ZR 7min 11.0sec
Michael Lane (Minehead) 1400cc Ford Fiesta 8min 6.8sec
Rob French (Axminster) 1600cc Peugeot 205 Gti 7min 14.7sec
George Edenborough (Torbay) 1400cc Citroen Saxo 8min 3.5sec