About Us
Club History
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 mor
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
Renew your TMC membership for 2026!
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 2026.
(prices held at 2025 rates!)
Contact Tony Bonfield, Membership Secretary on 07980239730
Why not
Renew your TMC membership for 2026!
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 2026.
(prices held at 2025 rates!)
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.
It is with great sadness that TMC announce the passing of our club President, Mike Potter.
Please see the Celebration of Life details form the family above.
2026 Social Calendar
See 'Events' page for details of all Autumn / Winter dates
Next Treasure Hunt on 12/11/26
Next Curry Night on 3/12/26
See the Facebook TMC (Members G
It is with great sadness that TMC announce the passing of our club President, Mike Potter.
Please see the Celebration of Life details form the family above.
2026 Social Calendar
See 'Events' page for details of all Autumn / Winter dates
Next Treasure Hunt on 12/11/26
Next Curry Night on 3/12/26
See the Facebook TMC (Members Group) page for more details.
TMC 2026 'Club All Rounders' Championship.
This years CAR championship is drawing towards a conclusion with only a few events remaining to score points. The presentation of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be made at the TMC Christmas Carvery. See Events page for more details.
Taunton Rally 2027 - Hold this date!
16/17 January 2027 on Map 193
More details and regs to appear shortly
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Events run in 2026
Taunton Rally - 21st /22nd March
Pre-event photos: on the 'Photo Gallery' page Full results: on the 'Links' page.
For event photos: please see the M&H photography website on www.mandhphotography.co.uk
For a rally report see the South Western Club Road Rally Championship Facebook page - or copy and paste the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17PFtNArgL/
Wildlife Wiscombe Hillclimb - 17/5/26
results:
https://www.wildlifeautosport.org.uk/nonwordpress/results/2026/index.html
5 Clubs Wiscombe Hillclimb - 5&6 /9 /26
results:
Exmoor Targa Rally - 24th October 2026
results:
See www.rallies.info for results