About Us
Club History
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Taunton Motoring Club
Taunton Motoring Club was formed around 1902 and like most motor clubs of the time
included both cycling and motorcycling enthusiasts. Hence the club’s first official title
was the Taunton Motorcycle and Light Car Club. During the early days cycling was still
frowned upon on Sundays and driving motor vehicles even more s
Taunton Motoring Club
Taunton Motoring Club was formed around 1902 and like most motor clubs of the time
included both cycling and motorcycling enthusiasts. Hence the club’s first official title
was the Taunton Motorcycle and Light Car Club. During the early days cycling was still
frowned upon on Sundays and driving motor vehicles even more so! Not daunted, the
members of the club visited local vicars and obtained permission to cycle to church on
Sundays. Gradually they widened their scope to more distant places, and many a rally
was organised under the patronage of the local clergy. In 1912 the car and motorcycle
members broke away from the more traditional cyclists and the club members started
to organise Gymkhanas which included driving skill tests. These events were mainly
supported by motorcyclists due to the lack of affordable cars.
By the early twenties, membership had risen to over 100. Hillclimbs and social runs
were very popular, and from the motorcycling point of view the club had earned a
reputation which was respected throughout the country. Between the wars the
motorcycle side of the club went from strength to strength. Taunton Motor Club did not
concentrate on car events to any great extent until after the Second World War. Trials
and Rallies became a feature in the late forties and early fifties.
Around this time Bill Cawsey, a prominent rally driver in the club, came up with the idea
of Autocross. The first ever event was held at Walford Cross in 1955 and the following
year the event attracted approximately 8000 spectators and so it went on for a few
years. This new event radically changed the club, and as car ownership became more
common, in 1960 the club split and Taunton Motoring Club was formed. Since then, the
club has organised many events covering different motorsport disciplines. Until
recently the club had a long association with Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park where
TMC, in conjunction with Burnham on Sea Motor Club, ran successful rally and hillclimb
events under the auspices of Wildlife Autosport. The club also has a long association
with Wiscombe Park co-promoting the Five Clubs and Wildlife events there since the
mid-70’s.
Taunton Motoring Club has a strong rally background, which for road rallies peaked in
1980-1990, and many club members are past winners in all forms of rallying.
TMC is not just a motoring club, throughout its existence it has had a strong social
calendar, meeting every Thursday evening during the summer months for driving skills.
During the winter months the activities change to Treasure Hunts, Scatters, Table-top
rallies and Quizzes.
Like all clubs Taunton Motoring Club is always on the lookout for new venues to expand
and improve its motor sport contribution in the South West.
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Membership – 2025
Membership enables you to complete in motorsport events organised by
Taunton Motoring Club Ltd and other local motor clubs who invite us to their events.
The Club Year runs from
1st January to 31st December.
Contact Tony Bonfield, Membership Secretary on 07980239730
Why not join our Committee?
We always looking for new memb
Membership – 2025
Membership enables you to complete in motorsport events organised by
Taunton Motoring Club Ltd and other local motor clubs who invite us to their events.
The Club Year runs from
1st January to 31st December.
Contact Tony Bonfield, Membership Secretary on 07980239730
Why not join our Committee?
We always looking for new members to join the Committee, to provide new ideas and support the Club. The monthly meetings are held on a Tuesday evening at Staplegrove Village Hall at 8pm, except in August & December.
Please contact Tony Bonfield on 07980239730
Marshalling Opportunities
To Marshal on our events - see 'Marshals wanted' on the events page and contact details.
Events & Social
Membership & Marshalling Opportunities
Events & Social
Curry Night - 7.30pm 30th October
In place of the cancelled scatter TMC will run a Curry Night at The Holman Clavel. Please ring the pub on 01823 421070 to book your place (mention TMC when booking)
Winter Treasure Hunt Series - 2025
6th November
20th November
4th December
Please look out for further information on the TMC (Members Group)
Curry Night - 7.30pm 30th October
In place of the cancelled scatter TMC will run a Curry Night at The Holman Clavel. Please ring the pub on 01823 421070 to book your place (mention TMC when booking)
Winter Treasure Hunt Series - 2025
6th November
20th November
4th December
Please look out for further information on the TMC (Members Group) Facebook page and the Regulations page on this website. Event organsers and start / finsh details will follow shortly on the 'Events' page
Scatters
Friday 31st October - Cancelled
Friday 28th November
more details and revised regulations to follow
Christmas Carvery and Awards Presentation
Saturday 13th December - The Beam Bridge
2025 ‘Best All Rounder Championship’
Please see the Regulations page for more details
25th October - Somerset Exmoor Targa Rally
Postponed - see important announcement on 'Events' page
2026 - Hold these dates
Taunton Rally - 17/18th January 2026
120 mile road rally to be held on Map 193
Treasure Hunts
see 'Events' page for 2026 dates
Wildlife Rally - 7th June 2026
Stage rally at Smeatharpe
Exmoor Targa Rally - 24th October 2026
Click the link below for more details