They say that things come in threes. Well, here are three good news stories to start 2024.
Motorsport UK – Officiel d’Honneur : David Swinton
It is always great to see volunteers being acknowledged for the time and commitment they give to the sport. It is even more warming when the person being acknowledged is one of our own.
We join Motorsport UK in congratulating our Honorary President, David Swinton, on being appointed an Officiel d’Honneur.
David, one of the founding members of the Club and its first Chairman, has supported the Club since the beginning, agreeing to take on the role of Honorary President in 2021 following the death of Mike Gascoigne.
Now, as David winds down his active involvement as a Motorsport UK Steward, Clerk of the Course, and Motorsport UK Committee member, he has accepted the invitation to become an Officiel d’Honneur in recognition of his commitment to the sport.
David was presented with his award by David Richards CBE, Chairman of Motorsport UK, at the Night of Champions on 27 January in London.
Neil Jeffrey
Neil, who is a Trustee of the Club, is probably used to getting shouted at by Catriona but he is also a dab hand at giving instructions to Thomas Milne as a co-driver in the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge. Thomas was a star driver in the Championship in 2023 and this was rewarded by being announced as the winner of the Scottish Rally Championship funded prize of a free entry into a round of the 2024 SRC announced at the SRC Awards Evening on Saturday 27th January.
The car has been built to MG3 Rally Challenge specification by the Dumfries-based TripleM Rally team who will also look after the car on the event Thomas decides to enter. In addition to the SRC funding, Annan based PHG Safety Services have generously agreed to pay the entry fee.
Neil is looking forward to guiding Thomas as he continues his rallying career in the MG3 Challenge in 2024. We have heard of McRae & Ringer, Burns & Reid, Evans & Martin... could we be adding Milne & Jeffrey to the list?
Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship Marshal Award 2023 : Darrell Clark
Darrell has been rewarded for all his efforts marshalling on rounds of the Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship by being presented with their Marshal Award for 2023. Darrell undertakes marshalling duties assisting in service areas or time controls.
Darrell was presented his award at the Championship’s Annual Dinner on 20 January.
Looking to 2024 Darrell is looking to spend some time inside a rally car – we are sure he won’t forget how to pull on a tabard.
Congratulations to all from all at SMMC!