Tribute race is a roaring success on the rallying stage of Chivenor

Tarmac rallying returned to the region when the North Devon Motor Club staged its annual Stu Wood Targa Rally on the expanse of roadways of the Chivenor Airfield.

Held in memory of Stuart Wood, who for many years was a regular competitor different types of rally events as both a driver and navigator. Stu was also a long-time organiser of the “Ilfracombe Rally” and also a prominent member of the NDMC.

This latest event, in excess of 30 miles was a round of 3 different major championships and attracted over 50 crews from all over the South West of England, plus a large contingency from South Wales.

The event was split into two sections, Experts and Novices, and further split into classes, the event’s overall winner was Jamie Raymond from the Exeter Motor Club with Taunton-based Oliver Luxton as navigator – the two shared a Ford Puma. The novice section was won by the MG ZR of Zak Lineham and Harry Blackmore from the Taunton Motoring Club.

Mark and Shaun Batty of Barnstaple (1400cc Ford Fiesta) made the most of their local knowledge by winning the Best North Devon Motor Club Crew award.

While we quite rightly heap accolades on the winners in the competition, we must never overlook the small army of people who, many behind the scenes, work really hard to put an event like this together and rarely get a mention.

The whole event was planned by a team headed by Jason Irwin, who not only helped to draw up the 30 plus miles of track and intricate challenges on the airfield, but also acted as Clerk of the Course on the day ensuring what has been described as a “brilliant day’s motorsport”.

The admin and mountain of documentation necessary for this type of event was handled by a group of talented people that included Megan Down, Bev Down, Nina Barham and Tracey Bennett and Derek Drayton, while the club’s own logistics team efficiently took care of the equipment needed to create the intricate obstacles for fair competition on the track – this team was made up of David Ellis, Adam Wonnacott, Kevin Down and Richard Irwin.

Two very important elements of rallying are the opening and closing cars and these were manned by Shaun Dayman and Brad Down and by Andy Ayre and Chris Barham respectively.

Last, but by no means least, are the marshals, many of whom were enjoying the experience for the first time and they were led by club chairman Derek Drayton. All these people, while unpaid volunteers, are motorsport enthusiasts and are absolutely essential for the smooth running of such a prestige event.

To ensure safe, fair and fun competition, events are run to regulations laid out by Motorsport UK. As one of the sports organised under the governing body’s ‘Streetcar’ programme, Targas are strictly reserved for road cars – this not only keeps costs down and provides easy access but also provides a more level playing field.

Vehicles just need to be road legal with a valid MOT and be taxed and insured. Crews don’t require race suits or even helmets, just a RS Clubman licence from Motorsport UK. Then join one of the many motor clubs now organising Targa Rallies, pay your entry fee and drop the clutch. Simple!   

What are you waiting for? To find out more about competing or marshalling, contact the North Devon Motor Club on Facebook or their website, www.ndmc.org.uk