Dust, heat and high-speed action at ASWMC Autocross Championship rounds

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.

Autocrossers are expected to race in all conditions and, as expected for an event held during a heat wave, the competitors 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 James Hall, who had travelled the 160 miles from Witney, Oxfordshire. His purpose built 1100cc Kawasaki ZX12-powered autocross special was upwards of 35 seconds clear of the Yacar SXC Autocross Buggy of Nigel Booley from the Green Belt Motor Club based in Hertfordshire.

Among the entry for this prestigious event were two very competitive junior drivers – both of whom seem to be relishing their opportunities to compete at this level.

These North Devon residents began to race at a very early age - Kyan Neville from West Down took to the track at just 13 years old; his initial interest being sparked by Sim Racing. He frequently shares his 1300cc Ford Ka with his father Ryan Neville.

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 had a brilliant weekend at Sugworthy Circuit driving his Vauxhall Corsa, taking the class win by a big margin

These award-winning efforts proved that they were occasionally quicker than a number of adult competitors – surely securing their future within the sport. 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.

The Mike Bray Memorial Trophy for the Spirit of the Event was presented to Westcountry Rescue, who, as the name suggests, are based here in the south west and cover many different disciplines of motorsport with their extensive knowledge of both medical and rescue expertise.

Award Winners:

Spirit of the Event Award – The Mike Bray Memorial Trophy Westcountry Rescue Fastest overall:

James Hall (Witney) 1198cc Kawasaki ZX12 Special 8min 05.3sec

Class Winners: Interclub

Leon Sandercock-Hunter (Torbay) 1400cc MG ZR 9min 25.6sec

Zane Hunter (Torbay) 1400cc Ford Fiesta 9min 25.0sec

Andy Hoare (Ferndown) 1400cc BMC Mini 9min 31.9sec

Luke Ashley (Brixham) 1600cc Austin Mini 9min 08.5sec

Simon Ashley (Brixham) 2000cc Austin Maestro 8min 57.2sec

Alan Holly (Weston Super Mare) 2000cc Mitsubishi Evo 5 8min 51.4sec

Clubmans

Kevin Down (Barnstaple) 1600cc Citroen Saxo 9min 42.2sec

Anthony Miller (Torbay) 2000cc Peugeot 205 Gti 9min 26.3sec

Stuart Holton (Umberleigh) 1905cc Peugeot 205 8min 59.1sec

Steve Frost (Torbay) 1998cc KMD Special 8min 46.3sec

Tyler Stacey-Mogie 1400cc Vauxhall Corsa 10min 24.5sec